A Roommate in Retirement? Here are the Pros and Cons

With the cost of housing rising every year, more and more seniors are looking to find roommates in retirement. For many retirees, this may be the first time living with a roommate in decades. In addition to housing costs, there are many advantages to living with a roommate, as well as a few less favorable things to consider. Continue reading to learn more about whether getting a roommate might be right for you!

The Pros Of Getting A Roommate In Retirement

Here are the top advantages of getting a roommate in your retirement years:

1. Saving Money

   Of course, one of the most significant advantages of getting a roommate in retirement is that you will be saving on housing expenses. They can pay half of your rent or mortgage, which means you will have someone to share your financial burdens with. On the other hand, if you have already paid for your mortgage, their payment can provide you with extra cash for home improvements or other living expenses.

   The best part is that you can use the extra money you save on housing for other things. These could include taking more vacations or spoiling your grandkids.

2. Increased Socialization

   Friends play an incredibly important role in life. It's great to have people to rely on and share your days with. However, as you get older, it can be challenging to find new avenues where you can socialize and meet new people. If you want companionship and a better social life, you can opt to have a roommate in retirement. Without even having to make plans, you'll be able to enjoy interpersonal relations throughout the day.

3. Sharing Chores

   Chores can be tiring, especially if you are the only one living in your home. It can take up all day and tire you out. Of course, such energy is not available daily because your body and joints need some rest from the exertion.

   That is where a roommate comes in. You can share chores with them, and the burden of keeping your house clean will not only fall on you. Besides that, they can help shop for groceries, pick up items from the pharmacy, and keep you company when you are sick. So, if you want to ease the burden of your chores and errands, you can opt for a roommate in retirement.

4. Improved Safety

   Living alone can be a daunting experience, especially if your health is not optimal. What if you fall down the stairs and you are living alone? You can be in pain for a while before getting up and getting help.

   Besides that, if you need to go to the hospital and cannot drive, you will need someone to help you out during these times of crisis. Of course, it goes both ways, and you can help your roommate with all of this. If you are prone to getting sick or falling, you can choose a roommate who can help you whenever need be.

The Cons Of Getting A Roommate In Retirement

While there are many advantages to getting a roommate in retirement, it might not be for everyone. Here are the possible cons of getting a roommate in your retirement years. 

1. Less Privacy

   All of us have different levels of expectations when it comes to privacy. For example, many of us don't want to wake up and look at another person during morning coffee watching TV. However, you must remember that if you opt to get a roommate after retirement, you will have to sacrifice some of your privacy.

   After all, they will be living in the house and paying their share, which means they have some right to your space. While you can create some boundaries and rules, you will have to meet them halfway. Of course, you can decide if sacrificing some of your privacy is worth it.

2. Might Be Messy

   People can be messy. Not everyone looks after themselves or the house they live in daily. Of course, if you are strict about cleanliness, you will not like a messy roommate, but you never know how a person is unless you live with them.

   You will have to make some adjustments, and if you want to keep your house clean, you will have to set some boundaries beforehand with your roommate. It will allow you to keep your home safe and clean just like you want it.

3. Might Be Noisy

   Sensitivity to noise can increase as we get older. If you have a roommate who plays loud music or is noisy, you will not like this. If you want to avoid this issue, we recommend asking questions to help you understand this during the search.

   Once you do, it will give you a better idea of what you are getting into. After that, you can decide whether you want that person to be your roommate.

4. Might Pay Late

   Late payments will be something you will have to deal with if you opt for a roommate. People's financial situations keep changing, so you will have to be a little understanding in this matter. It can be frustrating if you regularly have to go out of your way to ensure your roommate pays their share every month. Or, if this becomes a compulsive habit, you might even have to find another roommate.

Of course, you can't control everything, but you can be more careful in your search by asking the right questions and setting some boundaries beforehand. Once you do, you will find a roommate that you can live in harmony with.

So, be sure to weigh all the pros and cons, and then decide whether a roommate will be worth it to you. If it is worth it, take the time to find the right roommate to share your home with.