How Savvy Seniors Are Cutting Costs with a Surprising New Living Trend
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The cost of living is constantly on the rise. Still, savvy seniors in Queensland have discovered an affordable rental solution.
A pensioner from Brisbane named Rachelle Chilcott was struggling to find affordable housing––until she discovered the ingenious concept of the sharehouse.
‘I was struggling to find somewhere, and I'm on a disability pension which obviously made it a lot harder,’ Chilcott said.
Rachelle is now living comfortably for just $250 per week, with water, electricity and internet all included in the price.
Here’s how it works–up to three people can live under one roof, with each tenant having their own bathroom and bedroom, while sharing the living room and kitchen areas.
The only catch is you’ll be sharing your house with strangers––but that’s the beauty of it! Strangers are matched together based on similar interests, lifestyles, food preferences and work schedules.
Property developer Alexandra Stuart-Robertson from Galley Group said the share homes offer a cheaper alternative for seniors as well as being a fantastic place to socialise.
‘It's a space where they can actually have a life to go along with their job and have an affordable outcome,’ she said.
Plus, there are brand-new houses that the tenants can live in!
Calyptus Senior Living CEO Yvette Paterson said, ‘They're brand new houses and many of our clients wouldn't have the opportunity to live in a brand-new house let alone a really big one.’
'It’s great,' Chilcott said.
'I wish I’d found out about it sooner. We sort of all look out for each other, and I’ve made friends by moving here. That’s the idea of the sharehouse: to provide people with an affordable outcome, but also social life.'
So, for those out there who are looking for a cheaper way to rent and meet new people–– a sharehouse is something worth considering! Just remember to listen to your intuition and take precautions when you’re meeting new people.
Below are some benefits of sharehouses for seniors:
Shared living is more than just an affordable housing solution for seniors. It also brings a myriad of benefits that enhances quality of life and promotes overall well-being.
To begin with, shared living can stave off loneliness, a significant issue among older adults. By living in sharehouses, interacting with others daily means companionship readily available. This set-up directly combats isolation and fosters emotional support among individuals who may otherwise feel disconnected.
Shared living also instils a sense of security. With other people around all the time, some research shows it's less likely for criminals to target sharehouses. Moreover, in cases of emergencies such as falls or sudden health problems, immediate help is close at hand.
In addition to companionship and safety, shared living encourages independence. While domestic responsibilities are shared, seniors can still manage their own affairs and maintain a degree of autonomy. Learning to live with others also enables residents to learn new skills, adapt to group dynamics, and keep their minds open to different perspectives.
Finally, sharing a residence with like-minded people encourages the spirit of adventure in people––no matter the age. Exploring new hobbies, discovering new music, or diving into mesmerising books suggested by housemates creates a truly enriching living experience for everyone.
What are your thoughts on sharing a home with a stranger? Would you be willing to live in a sharehouse? Let us know in the comments below!
A pensioner from Brisbane named Rachelle Chilcott was struggling to find affordable housing––until she discovered the ingenious concept of the sharehouse.
‘I was struggling to find somewhere, and I'm on a disability pension which obviously made it a lot harder,’ Chilcott said.
Rachelle is now living comfortably for just $250 per week, with water, electricity and internet all included in the price.
The sharehouse is a new affordable living trend among seniors in Queensland.Image source: senivpetro on Freepik (left), Freepik (right).
Here’s how it works–up to three people can live under one roof, with each tenant having their own bathroom and bedroom, while sharing the living room and kitchen areas.
The only catch is you’ll be sharing your house with strangers––but that’s the beauty of it! Strangers are matched together based on similar interests, lifestyles, food preferences and work schedules.
Property developer Alexandra Stuart-Robertson from Galley Group said the share homes offer a cheaper alternative for seniors as well as being a fantastic place to socialise.
‘It's a space where they can actually have a life to go along with their job and have an affordable outcome,’ she said.
Plus, there are brand-new houses that the tenants can live in!
Calyptus Senior Living CEO Yvette Paterson said, ‘They're brand new houses and many of our clients wouldn't have the opportunity to live in a brand-new house let alone a really big one.’
'It’s great,' Chilcott said.
'I wish I’d found out about it sooner. We sort of all look out for each other, and I’ve made friends by moving here. That’s the idea of the sharehouse: to provide people with an affordable outcome, but also social life.'
So, for those out there who are looking for a cheaper way to rent and meet new people–– a sharehouse is something worth considering! Just remember to listen to your intuition and take precautions when you’re meeting new people.
Below are some benefits of sharehouses for seniors:
Shared living is more than just an affordable housing solution for seniors. It also brings a myriad of benefits that enhances quality of life and promotes overall well-being.
To begin with, shared living can stave off loneliness, a significant issue among older adults. By living in sharehouses, interacting with others daily means companionship readily available. This set-up directly combats isolation and fosters emotional support among individuals who may otherwise feel disconnected.
Shared living also instils a sense of security. With other people around all the time, some research shows it's less likely for criminals to target sharehouses. Moreover, in cases of emergencies such as falls or sudden health problems, immediate help is close at hand.
In addition to companionship and safety, shared living encourages independence. While domestic responsibilities are shared, seniors can still manage their own affairs and maintain a degree of autonomy. Learning to live with others also enables residents to learn new skills, adapt to group dynamics, and keep their minds open to different perspectives.
Finally, sharing a residence with like-minded people encourages the spirit of adventure in people––no matter the age. Exploring new hobbies, discovering new music, or diving into mesmerising books suggested by housemates creates a truly enriching living experience for everyone.
What are your thoughts on sharing a home with a stranger? Would you be willing to live in a sharehouse? Let us know in the comments below!
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