Forget assisted living or RVs, more and more seniors are looking at tiny homes to spend their retirement. In fact, a 2015 survey found that 30% of tiny home residents were between 51 and 70 years old, making senior citizens a huge part of the tiny home movement. As result, more companies are specializing in small residences equipped with comforts specially designed for this unique demographic.
For instance, in 2013 at age 72, Bette Presley decided to downsize her dwelling, forgoing an RV for a tiny home when she decided she wanted to be mobile, but with all the comforts of home. Her 166-square-foot cabin also allows her to live off the grid, thanks to solar panels, and was built on wheels so she can live life on the open road.
In the case of Shirley Louiselle, it was less about mobility and more about downsizing. Feeling as though she didn’t need more space, the 240-square-tiny home built by her grandson was the inspiration for his business Next Door Housing. The company incorporates senior-friendly touches, like low countertops and cupboards, and wheelchair accessible bathrooms. Other companies like MEDCottage market their homes as alternatives to assisted living. Their solutions, affectionately known as “granny pods,” even have smart systems that remind seniors to take their medication and can be purchased as RV friendly homes or simply installed on a plot of land.
Some seniors aren’t thinking of these homes as a retirement plan, but rather a smart business move. The Sausage Nonnas are three Italian grandmothers who travel in their small houses in order to cook up a storm for an event called Sausage Sundays.
More and more seniors are opting for tiny homes over RVs or assisted living. This model by Tumbleweed Houses was even customized with a hot tub and covered porch.
Photo: Tumbleweed Houses