Woodstock turned 50 last week-end and reminded people old enough to remember and those who saw it for the first time how many in this generation lived life by sharing. Many lived communally, in communes, with roommates or other group arrangements. They were “People of Similar Sensibilities Sharing Living Quarters” or POSSSLQ’s.
Fast forward 50 years. It’s happening again. Denmark has been the leader in reintroducing this concept several years ago, which is now spreading throughout Europe and is taking hold in the U.S. particularly on the two coasts. The number of adults 50+ living with roommates is growing almost twice as fast as any other age group.
The growth of the boomer generation now means that population 65+ already exceeds the growth of the total population. And, many are finding themselves alone including those with family far away. Living alone as an older adult has many disadvantages. Research has shown that older adults living alone tend to feel socially isolated and that living alone is a predictor of loneliness and a risk factor for health issues such as depression, cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline. Researchers have found that loneliness is as life-threatening as smoking almost a pack of cigarettes a day!
In addition to the social and health issues, many seniors are under financial pressure as the life-span is much longer and savings are not keeping pace. A Pew report states that only 33 percent of seniors felt financially comfortable living on their own. Ninety percent of renters 50+ list financial need as the reason they live with a roommate. According to Spare Room, 63 percent of the 50+ group are “rent-burdened.” They also state that renting with a roommate can save a person more than $25,000 per year.
Women outpace men in this trend. And, women seniors have another reason for living with others. They often want to actively age with the friendship, enjoyment, understanding and support of other women who share their values and ideas of healthy lifestyles, good food and activities on a regular basis. They want to be around and/or live with a group of compadres.
Sharing living quarters is now the answer for 2.6 million Americans growing 27 percent in just one year! It has become the fastest growing age group for roommates. With the financial and social benefits, the POSSSLQ’s option is one many seniors should consider.
We at The Seniors Answer specialize in helping seniors live a happy and healthy life. We have a team devised to tackle and manage concerns that seniors may have. We are experts in wide range of life management issues that can help seniors make sure their golden years stay golden.
