AGING IN PLACE
HOMESHARING
Homesharing
Homeowners and renters can share, save and socialize “Sharing is caring.” The phrase that is common in preschools also applies to many other situations. With the sharing economy now in full swing, sharing is not just caring; it is decidedly trendy. It is no surprise that the sharing economy is now making its way into the senior living industry. A system in which people share goods and services in exchange for money, the most obvious example of a sharing economy is Uber, which allows riders to pay drivers for transportation. Sharing economies often utilize online platforms to make the exchanges seamless and to eliminate the need for cash. For seniors, the sharing economy now presents the opportunity to share their homes and earn extra money (or find affordable rent), enjoy compatible roommates and avoid isolation. Enter homesharing. What is Homesharing? Homesharing is when older
Using existing connections or online platforms to find a housemate, homeowners can share the unused rooms in their homes—gaining income and companionship.
adults rent extra rooms in their homes to compatible housemates to supplement their income. Renters get an affordable place to live. Everyone
gets more social contact. Depending on the type of homesharing arrangement, renters Continued on following page
Independent Together Sandy and Kathy are Both women also independent women. Sandy, benefit financially from the 83, is an artist, gardener and homesharing arrangement. yoga enthusiast. Kathy, 63, is Sandy gains extra income an avid cyclist and hiker. every month, and Kathy The two Fort Collins, enjoys substantially lower Colorado, residents met rent. “I can have that money through Silvernest, an online to go and travel or do things platform that matches older around town—or buy a bike,” adults with roommates. Kathy noted. Sandy owns a home Sandy enjoys having and had extra space for a someone around to help roommate. “I was putting flyers with small tasks. Kathy out in churches and doing all helps Sandy with her dog Sandy (L) and Kathy are roommates in Sandy’s home. They kinds of things looking for a and cat and is available to both benefit financially and socially from homesharing. roommate, and Silvernest was watch her beloved pets if really easy,” recalled Sandy. she is out of town. Kathy Sandy was connected with Kathy homesharing offers. also frequently carries heavy via Silvernest, and the two hit it off “Social isolation is one of the items up and down the stairs— quickly. The women spend time biggest problems as people get old, making life a little easier for together playing cards, walking and it is a big factor in dementia and Sandy. Sandy’s dog, and sharing a glass everything else,” Kathy said. “I think Sandy and Kathy are both healthy of wine. They both benefit from having a roommate or housemate and independent—and they intend the built-in social interaction that situation alleviates so much of that.” to stay that way—together.
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