The days of assisted living and retirement homes being the only options for ageing seniors are over. While these options can still be great for many seniors, some people want a different way of life as they age. Well, now is the time to be alive to enjoy a variety of different options when it comes to living out your later years. Some people even live on cruise ships travelling the world instead of living in a retirement home, which can cost about the same amount when you add it all up. Besides, on the cruise ship, you’d always be meeting new people, having delicious meals made for you and enjoying great entertainment and travel. But that may not be for everyone either which is why tiny houses are becoming a more popular option for those going into their later years of life. A 2015 survey discovered that 30% of tiny home residents were between 51 and 70 years old, which means that seniors are really digging the tiny house movement. So, that also means that tiny house builders will also have to equip their tiny houses with the amenities that will suit their needs and lifestyles. Some companies are creating tiny houses specifically targeted at seniors too, filling a void in the tiny house market.
Many seniors also choose RV living over living in a retirement home, but some are choosing tiny houses over RVs because they have all of the comforts of home. RVs are made up of plastic components while tiny houses are made of wood and natural materials that you would find in a regular home. That’s another reason people love these tiny home designs so much. Plus, you can also add solar power, a water catchment system and a composting toilet as well as gas for cooking and you can have a completely off-grid tiny home that will reduce expenses immensely. Monthly expenses are a true concern for the aging public as the costs of living are higher than their monthly retirement or pension payments can afford. So living in a tiny house, especially one that’s off-grid could practically cost them nothing at all. Then the tiny house can be moved wherever they want it to go.
Many of these new tiny house designs geared toward the elderly have features that allow them to live very comfortably. This includes low countertops and cabinets, as well as lower electric outlets. They also make them more wheelchair and walker accessible too, adding open showers and handrails to hold onto. Some companies are also creating granny pods which allow the resident to live on their relative’s property so they can still have their independence but still be taken care of. Some of the homes even have smart home systems that will remind them to take medication on time. When you think about it, it’s such a great idea that allows people to have more of an independent lifestyle without having to spend a lot of money.
A great idea would be to create entire villages of tiny houses for seniors to live in affordable and safely with someone on site to help them out and make them their meals. Alternatively, seniors can also take off in their tiny house whenever they want and park it closer to family or other friends so they can have more of a connection with them and to receive the help they need. Some seniors might even want to take these trailers and go travelling in them staying in RV sites and resorts. The sky is the limit when it comes to options for tiny living.
