Last Updated on 11/15/2024 by Rany Burstein
If there is one thing we learned from watching Golden Girls, it is that four women over 50 sure do have a blast living together.
Sharing a living space with fellow seniors can bring a whole lot of benefits beyond just splitting the bills. It’s all about cost-sharing, finding companionship, and making the most out of life’s golden years.
The Boommate Trend
In a world where senior roommates might not be a common sight, it’s worth noting that the landscape is shifting. According to the National Center for Family & Marriage Research, one out of every three older adults will find themselves facing old age without a spouse. And over 13.5% of baby boomers are already living the solo life. So, there’s a growing trend of people opting to live with roommates as they age, and it’s a fantastic way to create meaningful connections and enjoy life to the fullest.
At Diggz, our platform welcomes a remarkable 15% of users aged 40 and above, with this number steadily on the rise. In fact, our older user base is growing at a faster pace compared to other age groups. Annamaria Pluhar, of Sharing Housing Inc. predicts, “My hunch is that money will be the incentive to get over the fear of ‘Me? Live with a stranger? Never!’” Especially with the looming recession, this idea hits the nail on the head.
However, the allure of living with a roommate extends beyond financial considerations. It is the joy of living with someone — having that companionship, someone to ask you about your day.
So, if you are new to the boommate trend, let’s dive into everything you need to know about looking for a roommate as a senior.
Are you even ready for a roommate?
Okay, hold up! Let’s take a tiny step back and ask yourself why do you need a roommate. Is it to combat the empty nest syndrome? Perhaps a recent breakup has left you seeking companionship and support. Or maybe the good ol’ money crunch has got you thinking about sharing living expenses.
Living with a roommate is no small matter, and it comes with its fair share of considerations. This decision shouldn’t be taken lightly or made on a whim. As Margaret Manning of Sixty and Me wisely advises, it’s crucial not to base this choice on temporary setbacks in life. Our situations can change, and we want to ensure that living with a roommate aligns with our long-term goals and lifestyle.
At this point, you should be asking yourself all the important questions. What do you need in a roommate? Is it the right time for you to live with a roommate? And a crucial one: what about the legal perspective of sharing your home? Your lease agreement should be airtight enough to eliminate any risk of freeloading tenants. While downloading a lease form off the internet might seem convenient, it can be risky.
Generic lease forms found online may not address specific situations or local laws sufficiently. They might be poorly drafted, leaving room for loopholes that could lead to problems later on. Engaging a lawyer to review your lease agreement is a smart move to safeguard your interests and protect yourself from potential complications in the future.
Benefits of Senior Roommates
Having roommates over 50 is not just about saving money (though that’s a big perk). Even if you’re a homeowner, a whopping 30% of your budget goes towards housing expenses. But the beauty goes beyond the budget. With a friend by your side, you are more inclined to dive into activities, prioritize your health, and expand your social circle. The possibilities are limitless.
Some of the top benefits of having senior roommates are:
1. Cost Sharing
One of the most apparent benefits of older adults living with roommates is the opportunity to split bills. Many elderly citizens may face financial constraints with limited funds from social security income or pension plans. Budgeting based on retirement plans often drives seniors to relocate to more affordable cities like Phoenix, Dallas, or San Antonio.
For instance, if you live alone in a 1-bedroom apartment, you might pay an average of $1,347. However, moving in with a roommate can significantly reduce housing expenses, with the potential to find a place for around $800 or less. By sharing living costs, older adults can enjoy a more comfortable and financially manageable lifestyle in their chosen location.
Similarly, plenty of older adults own homes or rent larger apartments than they need. If you have a vacant room, why not put it to good use? Renting out that spare room to a roommate is a fantastic way to earn some extra income while also making new friends along the way.
2. Social Connections
As we age, meeting new people and forming friendships can become more challenging. While some may advise maintaining a strictly transactional relationship with your roommate, the reality is quite different. Living with someone is bound to create an emotional connection, and that’s not a bad thing at all!
In fact, having a roommate can be one of the best things for you! It provides the opportunity to share experiences, talk about your day, and even enjoy activities together, like hanging out at a cafe or making friends with their circle. Coliving spaces, in particular, offer some of the best communal environments, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
3. Safety
It also adds safety and security to your living situation. Something as simple as a sprained ankle and you will be thanking yourself for the day you decided to live with roommates. Moreover, for adult children, the idea of their parents living with roommates can be quite appealing due to the safety it provides. Knowing that there is someone else around to look out for their loved ones can provide peace of mind and reassurance.
How to Find Roommates as a Senior
Well, that was all well and good. But how do you even go about finding a roommate as a senior? Honestly, it doesn’t have to be complicated. One common mistake is assuming that you must limit your search to people in your own age group. Be open-minded and flexible! Living with someone from a different age group, like a college student, could work wonders. It offers the opportunity to divide chores more fairly and brings fresh perspectives to your living space.
So once that is out of the way, here are a few tips to follow when you set out to find a roommate as an older adult,
1. Clearly Define Your Expectations
Before you start your search, take some time to outline what you’re looking for in a roommate. Consider factors like lifestyle habits, cleanliness, and preferred living arrangements. For example, if you are an introvert, you might not do well with a roommate who has friends over a lot. All such preliminary questions are asked and answered by our Diggz members, so your search for a roommate can be much smoother.
2. Discuss with Your Grown Up Children
If you have any, loop them in! Your older children will likely be worried about you living all alone. And of course, they will have some concerns too, like, how safe is the arrangement, how often can you have guests over, and more. They will need to know about your decision to live with a roommate since it will also affect their visiting schedules. Many senior adults who live with roommates state that they would have their children and grandchildren over more if they lived alone. So it might need some getting used to.
But on the bright side, they will be happy you have an emotional support system in place. A friend, a roommate, or a health buddy. And most of all, your children can offer guidance, help you review potential matches, and even assist in navigating the world of online roommate hunting. So, put your tech-savvy kids to good use and have them build you a solid roommate-wanted profile!
3. Use Roommate Finder Apps
Use online sites to find roommates. They will obviously have a larger pool of candidates than you could get by asking around friends and family. Diggz offers detailed profiles, including photos, bios, and information about potential roommates. This transparency allows you to get a sense of their personality and lifestyle before reaching out to them. If you don’t find what you’re looking for on Diggz, you could cast a wider net and look at social media sites, and other dedicated older adult roommate finders.
4. Interview Potential Roommates
Don’t rush into a decision. Take the time to meet and interview potential roommates to get a sense of their personality, compatibility, and shared values. Here are a few things seniors should absolutely know before taking in a roommate:
- Are they financially responsible? Do they have a good credit score?
- Are they in good health and capable of taking care of themselves? You want someone who’s on the same page when it comes to maintaining the living space.
- What is their online reputation? It’s worth checking out their online presence to see what comes up.
- How often do they plan on having guests over?
- Do you share similar values when it comes to maintaining the shared living space, giving each other privacy, habits, etc?
5. Put It in Writing
Once you have found a compatible roommate, put your agreement in writing. An agreement is less so to have something legally binding (that’s what the lease is for) but more so to get on the same page. Include important details like rent, rules, and responsibilities to avoid any misunderstandings down the road. Even more menial things like quiet hours, guest rules, chores, etc should be mentioned in the agreement.
Also, ensure to outline an exit strategy for both parties. In case either roommate wants to leave the lease before its scheduled end, having a well-thought-out plan ensures an amicable conclusion to the arrangement.
The Bottom Line
When you come to think about it, living with roommates is an arrangement perfect for older adults. Like Grace and Franke, Rose and Dorothy — aging in place with a friend. Think about the perks, such as cutting down on expenses, saying adios to loneliness, and having a partner to revel in life’s little joys. Roommates can truly add a sprinkle of magic to your golden years.
Of course, every living arrangement has its pros and cons. You might need to tweak the frequency of your children’s visits or make a few adjustments here and there. But hey, the benefits often outweigh the trade-offs.
Remember, it’s about more than just splitting bills; it’s about splitting smiles, stories, and creating memories together. So, consider diving into the world of having roommates as a senior. Explore the co-living options out there; who knows, you might find a new friend and a fantastic adventure waiting just around the corner!