Where to Live? Boomers Have Many Choices

When I started my research for this article I had no idea the choices that we Boomers have with regard to our living arrangements. In fact, I have identified 13 different types of housing situations for us. They can be roughly divided into two large categories: housing situations for those of us who are healthy and need no help with our activities of daily living and those of us who have a need for some help that ranges from a limited need for assistance up to needing total care.

I intend, in this article, to consider some of the options open to those of us who are completely independent and able to live entirely on our own. Depending on the responses that this article generates, I may do a follow up article outlining the options for those of us who need various levels of assistance.

In the 55 to 66 year age group, who are healthy and independent, approximately 80% are living with their spouses or are living alone. Five percent (5%) are living with family members and those living in that arrangement often contribute greatly to their families by caring for grandchildren while the adult children work and by adding financial assistance to the family as well. In return those living with their family have benefits too, not the least of which is that they have the company of close family and feel useful, loved, and necessary. Ten percent (10 %) are living in various situations that are on the leading edge of new housing and living possibilities. And the final percentage of this age group are living in situations in which they find themselves partly or totally responsible for their adult children and/or grandchildren. This last percentage also includes those who are living in situations where they are bearing the responsibility for their own aged parents.

When I look at the housing options available to us, I am excited about our possibilities. Our generation has charted unknown territory almost from the time we were born and apparently we will continue to do this as we learn to live and cope with aging. Once again, we are writing the rules and leading the way.