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Editor’s note: The following story was submitted by Leigh-Anne Lees, Valley Program for Aging Services community relations director.
Remember “The Golden Girls” - those sassy Miami roommates with the shoulder pads and big hair? They’ve been on the rerun circuit for many years now. As it turns out, they may have been ahead of their time.
In today’s post-pandemic society, lack of affordable housing and loneliness are inspiring baby boomers to move in with one another, as well as with members of younger generations. According to Jennifer Molinsky, Housing and Aging Society program director at Harvard University, about 1 percent of older adults were sharing a home with a nonrelative 20 years ago. Today it’s over one million older adults, more than double the number in that time.
Traditionally, empty nesters downsize out of larger homes and into smaller ones. This, in turn, increases inventory for young generations on the hunt for housing. But adults hitting retirement age are finding little incentive in making a big move. Many are locked into low mortgage rates that make staying put common sense. Plus, housing costs have skyrocketed and inventory is low. According to the Case-Shiller 20-City Composite Home Price Index, home prices increased by 46% between March 2020 and March 2024.
“Housing is expensive for many older adults, whose incomes often are fixed or decline over time,” said researchers of Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies in a 2023 report. When older adults are spending more than 50 percent of their income on housing, they start to cut back on basic necessities like food, medical care, and insurance. Those sacrifices have a negative impact on overall well-being.
Finances are not the only challenge retirees are facing as they consider how to age. Loneliness and social isolation are linked to serious health conditions in older adults. A report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine finds that more than one-third of adults aged 45 and older feel lonely, and nearly one quarter of adults 65 and older are considered socially-isolated.
Widowhood and divorce brought the Golden Girls together. But other factors like loss of family and friends, chronic illness, and even hearing loss can lead to social isolation. And once that happens, health risks skyrocket. Recent studies show that social isolation is associated with an increased risk of premature death from all causes, along with dementia, depression, anxiety, and more.
Many older adults joining the boommate trend are finding that, in additional to realizing financial benefits, they are adding friendship and social engagement to their lives. Specifically, sharing meals together not only boosts older adults’ nutritional intake, but also combats age-related cognitive decline. Boommates can also serve as fitness or travel partners, or create opportunities for intergenerational bonding. But simply building more conversation and companionship into the day can enhance overall wellness.
If you’re considering looking for a boommate, give serious thought to your lifestyle choices and expectations from the arrangement. Talk with friends and family. Word of mouth can help you find compatible prospects. Online resources such as RoomieMatch, HomeShareOnline, Nesterly, and Senior Homeshares can produce potential matches based on several factors. Meet candidates in person and consider a trial period before making a commitment.
