More and more seniors are considering small houses as a retirement option rather than assisted living or RVs. Senior folks make up a significant portion of the small home movement; in fact, a 2015 poll indicated that 30% of those living in tiny homes were between 51 and 70 years old. As a result, more businesses are specialized in tiny homes furnished with conveniences intended specifically for this niche market.
For instance, Bette Presley downsized her home in 2013 at the age of 72, choosing a modest house instead of an RV when she realized she wanted to remain mobile but still enjoy all the amenities of home. Solar panels on her 166 square foot home enable her to live off the grid, and it was designed to be mobile so she can travel.
Shirley Louiselle’s situation was more about shrinking than movement. Her grandson’s little 240-square-foot house, which he constructed because she didn’t feel like she needed more room, served as the model for his company Next Door Housing. The business has senior-friendly features including wheelchair-accessible toilets and low counters and cabinets. Similar to MEDCottage, several businesses promote their houses as alternatives to assisted living. Their products, jokingly called “granny pods,” may be bought as RV-friendly houses or are just planted on a plot of land and even include smart systems that remind elders to take their medication.
Some elderly people view buying one of these properties as a wise business decision rather than a retirement strategy. Three Italian grandmothers known as the Sausage Nonnas travel in their modest homes while whipping up a storm in the kitchen for a gathering called Sausage Sundays.
Seniors are choosing small houses over RVs and assisted living in greater and greater numbers. Even more special features, such a hot tub and a covered porch, were added to this Tumbleweed Homes model.
At the age of 72, Bette Presley created a 166 square foot mobile home with solar power for off-the-grid living.
The Sausage Nonnas, or working grandmothers, tour the nation in their modest cottages while preparing dinners on Sausage Sundays.
h/t: [Inhabitat]
I am a 76 year old retired teacher with “drop-foot”. I use a walker and/or wheelchair.
My children and grandchildren are scattered throughout the US and I would like to look into a “tine home”.
I think you should email Tumblewood homes, and/or other tiny home makers. I think they can tell you what is achievable for wheelchair and walker, when it comes to tiny homes. Who knows, they may already have several options.
WHY do so many women outlive their men? A gal years ago replied “because if we died first, they wouldn’t know how to take care of themselves.”