New Housing Options Emerge for Older Americans
By Clare Ansberry for The Washington Post
19 December 2025
One of the first issues I thought about when I turned 70 was who is going to take care of me and where will I live. This article lays out some of the newer options for our aging population. Read the full article (subscription needed):
https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/relationships/new-housing-options-emerge-for-older-americans-dfa4c8f5
“People are living longer and rethinking how and where they want to live.”
The author outlined several alternatives for living arrangements. She talked about how older single individuals, who had never previously met, are becoming roommates.
Shannon Guzman, AARP’s senior director for housing and livable communities said that “about 75% of those 55 and older want to remain in their homes as they age.” However, she states that rising housing cost and upkeep, as well as health problems, can make living in their home more difficult and many anticipate needing to move as a result.”
The article highlights possible alternatives for senior living arrangements:
- Shared living – roommates are not only saving money, but they sometimes need extra help that a roommate can provide.
- Multiple generations living in one home – Lennar, a popular home builder, introduced the Next Gen home with separate living spaces for each generation.
- Cohousing – a type of community that includes private homes situated around shared spaces such as a kitchen, recreational areas, and gardens. Management is provided by the residents.
According to Ms. Ansberry, “by 2030, about one in five people in the U.S. will be 65 or older. But more options also will be needed because one solution won’t fit everyone’s needs or budget. And people age at different rates. What works for one won’t work for all.”
Image from: https://www.completecommunitiesde.org/aging/
Last updated 12/21/2025.