Living the “Golden Girls” Lifestyle while Aging In Place - Is it for you?

[GailL1]

KFF Health News 07/24/2026 - The New Old Age - To Afford Aging in Place, Older Adults Turn to ‘Golde... 

excerpts from the link ~

“ Home sharing “is a really efficient way to create affordable housing and to support older people who want to age in place, . . . . Carefully vetting both “home providers,” who may be rattling around in family houses now too big and too empty, and “home sharers” seeking reasonable rents,

About  55 organizations around the country offer these services — and demand is growing, driven by housing shortages, rising rents, and sales prices that affect both the old and the young. Legislators in several states are working to promote home sharing as an option. (Personal care is not part of these arrangements.

Although nearly 80% of those people were homeowners, the center found, an increasing proportion are still paying off mortgages or home equity loans, and most contend with higher taxes, utility and maintenance costs, and insurance premiums.

 In addition, legislators in several states have introduced or passed bills that prohibit municipalities from unduly restricting homeowners who want to rent spare rooms to nonfamily members. Sponsors in Pennsylvania and Connecticut actually call them Golden Girls bills, and they’ve drawn bipartisan support.

MORE at the link ~

Some really interesting local pilot programs were described in the article.

This is not for me - at least not yet - even though I have a whole lot of room -  but thought I would post this just for others to see this concept.  

Seems one could do this OR rent to a person who could help keep up the large place with just regular stuff - heck I have to take my trash can up a hill almost 200 feet - seems somebody could at least invent one that drives itself.  

[WebWiseWoman]

I so wish I was a person who could adapt at 72+, but I know myself so well and 30+ years since the divorce, I know me...

I wish there could be like "dorm rooms" for elders; if it has a walk-in shower, I don't mind sharing that space. Just give me the space for my frig, sink and Insta...

[SummerOnTheWay1]

Lol, Gail @GailL1 !!! 😂

Like you, I get my Weekly Workout taking mine to the dumpster. I need a "robot" to do this for me.

At age 68 in September, ENJOYING living alone with just my cat "Mister".

I rather "reduce" my spending rather than "inherit" a roommate. I can do WHATEVER I want to whenever I want to.

Nicole!

[GailL1]

I think the reason that this does no appeal to me is that sometimes people think that this sort of arrangement cannot be undone and it more than just being a room mate.  They sometimes think that taking care of each other is part of the deal - it isn’t.

I mean what do you do if they cannot come up with the rent / utilities?  What do you do if they get ill and there is nobody that steps up to care for them?  

I have owned rental properties but this seems different being within the same household - It would have to be a very detailed rental agreement - more than the standard type, I think, at least to me.  

[SummerOnTheWay1]

And Gail @GailL1 , ADD the "chance" of being robbed or killed. No thank you!!! 😱

Nicole!