8 Tips to Help You Find a Roommate After 60
Are you an older adult who’s looking for a roommate? Well, you’re in good company! This phenomenon (dubbed the “Golden Girls trend”) has exploded in popularity over the last few years. In fact, according to a study by Harvard University, over 800,000 older adults live with a roommate. So, if you want to hop on board the trend, we can help! Here are 10 helpful tips to get you started!
1. Make a list of all your wants and needs.
Much like dating or marriage, you should consider compatibility with a potential roommate. You don’t want a real-life The Odd Couple situation on your hands! If you crave quiet and privacy, find someone else who does, too! On the other hand, if you’re a night owl who likes binge-watching your favorite shows well after most people’s bedtime, make sure your roommate doesn’t mind your nocturnal habits. Or if you’re a neat freak like Felix Unger, find somebody who appreciates cleanliness as much as you! And speaking of Felix Unger, make sure you’re meticulous with your list. Write down all your green flags and dealbreakers. Would you live more harmoniously with an introvert or an extrovert? Do you want your new roommate to be young or old?
2. Use social media.
If you’re looking for a roommate, you have thousands of roommate-finding resources right at your fingertips! Apps like Roomi and Roomster can connect you to a potential roommate in an instant. Meanwhile, websites like RoomieMatch can make searching for a roommate a breeze. And don’t forget, Facebook is for more than bragging about your grandkids and sharing pictures! You can also use it to find potential roommates. This group, Looking for Roommates, has over 24,000 members from all across the United States! You can even narrow down your search a little and find groups for roommate seekers in your area.
3. Ask your friends.
We might live in a digital age, but don’t discount the power of word of mouth! Tell your friends you’re looking for a roommate and ask if they know of any other older adults who are in your shoes. One of your friends might have a lead, or they might be looking for a roommate themselves! If it ends up being someone you already get along with socially, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll get along as roommates, as well!
4. Look outside your age group.
If you’re looking for a roommate, there’s a pretty good chance you’re thinking of someone in your age bracket. After all, your roommate might be more than just someone you live with. They could also end up being your friend! And while it would be nice to age in place with another senior, don’t be afraid to consider a young roommate, too! Intergenerational housing has a lot of benefits for both parties involved! Plus, a younger roommate can help you with chores, like cooking, cleaning, and running errands. If you live far away from your children and grandchildren, they might also fill that void in your heart until your next visit.
5. Use a home-sharing program.
Social media isn’t the only place where you can find a potential roommate! You can also use a home-sharing program! These programs basically operate as a middleman, helping people with an extra room or space find someone to fill them! If you’re interested in this type of arrangement, check out the National Shared Housing Resource Center, or visit Senior Resource’s shared housing page!
6. Meet in person.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, meet with your potential roommates in person so you can get to know them and see if you two are domestically compatible. Ask them questions about their lifestyle, their habits, and their expectations. Get to know them as a person first and a roommate second. If they’re someone you can’t see yourself getting along with long-term, then don’t be afraid to look for somebody else. After all, you want to make sure both you and your roommate are happy with the arrangement!
7. Communicate!
Fyodor Dostoevsky, author of Crime and Punishment, once wrote, “Much unhappiness has come into the world because of bewilderment and things left unsaid.” We couldn’t agree more! When it comes to your roommate, don’t leave anything unsaid or open for interpretation. Communicate openly and honestly with them about any concerns or issues that may arise. Work through problems before they get worse. Be polite but honest. Also, remember to keep an open mind and listen to your roommate’s concerns, as well. Honesty goes both ways!
8. Be prepared to compromise.
Nobody is perfect, and that applies to a future roommate. While you want someone you get along with, there may be times when you have to make sacrifices. Maybe they want to keep the window open, and though you don’t like the sound the blinds make when they tap the window frame on windy days, you realize it isn’t a big deal, and keep your mouth shut. Or maybe they’re great in every aspect, except they never put the cap back on the toothpaste. Is a toothpaste cap really the hill you want to die on? Don’t be so stubborn and set in your ways that you turn mole hills into mountains. Or toothpaste caps into screaming matches.
Popular Articles About Shared Housing
Originally published August 06, 2025
Author(s):
