Finding the Right Place to Call Home
Where we live has a major impact on our health, safety, finances, and overall quality of life. As we age, our housing needs often change. A home that once worked well may become difficult to maintain, stairs may be hard to climb, or living alone may no longer feel practical. At the same time, many people want to remain independent and continue living in a place that feels familiar.
The good news is that there are more housing options available today than ever before. Whether you have a limited income, a comfortable retirement, or something in between, understanding your choices can help you make informed decisions before a crisis arises.
This page provides an overview of the housing options available to older adults.
Common Housing Challenges
As people age, they often face new questions about where and how to live. Some of the most common challenges include:
- Rising rent, property taxes, and homeowners’ insurance
- Homes that require expensive repairs or ongoing maintenance
- Difficulty climbing stairs or navigating an older home safely
- Limited retirement income
- Living alone and feeling isolated
- Transportation challenges after giving up driving
- Increasing medical or personal care needs
- Long waiting lists for affordable housing
- Finding housing that is both affordable and accessible
Planning ahead can make these challenges easier to manage and offer more choices when it is time to make a move.
Housing Options by Income
Lower-Income Older Adults
Many people assume they have few housing options if they rely on Social Security or have limited income. While affordable housing can be hard to find, several programs are designed to help.
Affordable Senior Housing
Many communities offer apartments specifically for low-income older adults. Rent is often income-based, making these apartments more affordable than market-rate housing. Because demand is high, waiting lists may be months or even years long, so applying early is important.
Public Housing
Local housing authorities provide affordable housing to eligible individuals and families, including many older adults. Eligibility is generally based on income and household size.
Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
Housing Choice Vouchers can help cover a portion of rent for privately owned apartments. Availability varies by location, and waiting lists are common.
Shared Housing
Some older adults choose to share housing with another person to reduce costs while also enjoying companionship and added security.
Living with Family
For some families, moving in together is the most practical solution. Multigenerational living can reduce expenses and provide support, but it works best when expectations regarding finances, privacy, and caregiving responsibilities are discussed openly.
Middle-Income Older Adults
Many retirees earn too much to qualify for housing assistance but still need to manage rising housing costs carefully.
Aging in Place
Many people prefer to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. This may involve making home modifications, such as installing grab bars, improving lighting, adding ramps, or using safety- and independence-supporting technology.
Downsizing
Selling a larger home and moving into a smaller house, condominium, or apartment can reduce maintenance, lower monthly expenses, and simplify daily life.
Independent Living Communities
Independent living communities are designed for active older adults seeking a maintenance-free lifestyle. Residents typically live in private apartments and enjoy amenities such as dining, social activities, transportation, fitness programs, and housekeeping. Medical care is generally not included.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
Sometimes called in-law apartments or backyard cottages, ADUs allow older adults to live near family while maintaining their own private living space. As the population ages, many communities are expanding opportunities for ADUs.
Higher-Income Older Adults
Individuals with greater financial resources often have access to a wider range of housing options.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)
CCRCs offer multiple levels of care on a single campus, allowing residents to transition from independent living to assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing as their needs change over time. Some require a substantial entrance fee in addition to monthly fees.
Luxury Independent Living
These communities often offer resort-style amenities such as restaurants, fitness centers, concierge services, housekeeping, transportation, wellness programs, and social events.
Assisted Living
Assisted living communities provide help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, medication management, meals, and housekeeping, while allowing residents to maintain as much independence as possible.
Memory Care
Memory care communities specialize in caring for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. They provide trained staff, secure environments, and structured daily routines to support cognitive health and safety.
Other Housing Options
Today’s older adults have more choices than previous generations. Other options include:
- Co-housing communities
- Senior cooperatives
- Manufactured or mobile home communities
- Tiny homes
- Intergenerational communities
- Home-sharing programs
- Village-to-Village programs that help older adults remain safely in their homes
- Faith-based retirement communities
As housing continues to evolve, new models are emerging that prioritize independence, community, affordability, and aging in place.
Questions to Ask Before Making a Housing Decision
Before deciding where to live, consider asking yourself:
- Can I safely remain in my current home?
- Will this home still meet my needs five or ten years from now?
- What happens if I can no longer drive?
- Am I close to healthcare providers, grocery stores, and family?
- What services might I need in the future?
- Can I comfortably afford this housing long term?
- Would moving now provide more choices than waiting until an emergency?
There is rarely a single “perfect” answer. The best housing decision depends on your health, finances, lifestyle, and personal preferences.
Helpful Resources
If you’re exploring housing options, these organizations may be able to help:
- Local Housing Authorities
- Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)
- Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in Massachusetts
- Age Strong in Massachusetts
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
- State housing agencies
- Elder law attorneys
- Certified financial planners
- Local senior centers
Looking Ahead
Housing is about much more than having a place to live. It is about maintaining independence, staying connected to family and community, feeling safe, and creating a home that supports your lifestyle as your needs change.
Planning ahead gives you more options, reduces stress, and helps ensure your housing choices reflect your goals—not just your circumstances.
As AgeShifts grows, this resource page will continue to expand with detailed guides, practical tips, housing checklists, cost comparisons, and articles to help you make informed decisions with confidence.