The Golden Girls and You: Living the dream of shared housing
While the cover story this issue features multi-generational living, there’s another popular alternative.
Long before it was trendy, The Golden Girls were living the dream of shared housing — proving that friendship, laughter, and a shoulder to lean on can turn a house into a home.
There was a time when the word “roommate” made us think of instant noodles, pizza deliveries, and someone hogging the bathroom. These days, more and more folks over 50 are giving shared housing a look with a whole new perspective. A home share partner isn’t just about saving money anymore. It can be a practical, enriching, and downright fun way to age. For many older adults, it’s about safety, companionship, and making the most of the space you have.
Not everyone likes living alone — a house can sometimes feel awfully quiet. A roommate can help with household expenses and can also bring a bit of liveliness into the space.
Some people feel safer knowing someone else is in the house should they slip on a rug or not feel quite up to snuff. Others enjoy sharing a morning cup of coffee, running errands together, or visiting over dinner. Home sharing can address the issue of isolation among seniors as well as the shortage of housing for older adults.
You might have a good friend or acquaintance who would make a compatible match. If not, you’ll want to find a way to carefully vet potential home share partners. Some communities have programs to help match compatible adults for home sharing, often including background checks and compatibility screenings. The extra steps move you toward a safer and more compatible partner.
The nonprofit HomeShare Oregon prioritizes increasing direct services to seniors. They connect folks who have spare space to share with renters who are looking for affordable housing. Learn about this free service at homeshareoregon.org. While it can be used by any Oregonian 18 or older, 71% who sign up are women ages 55+.
No matter how you choose your home share partner, there are a few golden rules for peaceful cohabitation in your older years.
Golden Rules for Home Sharing
1 Communicate Up Front. Work out small details from the start so they don’t have a chance to balloon into a crisis. Who buys the toilet paper? Are guests allowed, and if so, for how long? What’s a comfortable room temperature?
2 Match Preferences & Lifestyles. Are you an early riser or a night owl? Are pets part of the package? What’s your neatness/sloppiness level or tolerance?
3 Show Me the Money. Agreements need to be in writing. Be clear and specific to ward off misunderstandings or confusion. This is an important matter, so it’s worth getting professional legal assistance with an agreement.
From a housing viewpoint, shared living can make good sense. Creative solutions like co-living can help seniors stay in their homes longer. If you’re considering downsizing but aren’t quite ready to leave your house, home sharing can be a bridge to your next chapter. If you’re looking for a new home, you may find your way into a happy situation that allows you to stay in a lovely house without full-time responsibility.
Living with a roommate after 50 is embracing a new kind of freedom. It’s freedom from isolation, from stretching every dollar, and the freedom to share laughter over breakfast with a new friend. The perfect housemate might just be the missing piece to your more connected, comfortable, and joyful life.
Questions to Ask a Potential Housemate
- Do you smoke, drink, or have any lifestyle habits I should be aware of?
- How do you like to handle disagreements?
- Are you financially stable and able to pay your share on time every month?
- How would you prefer to handle the food situation? Cook together? Labeled groceries?
- What’s your daily routine like? When do you wake up and go to bed?
- How do you feel about overnight guests or guests in general?
- How tidy do you like things? How do you see sharing chores?
- What’s your ideal level of social interaction at home? Mostly independent? Shared meals? Chit-chat over coffee?
- Do you have any pets or pet allergies?
- How long are you hoping this living situation will last?
-Ben Richardson
50plus Magazine
Ben Richardson enjoys helping seniors as a Seniors Real Estate Specialist. He is the principal broker and owner of Ideal Real Estate.