The Physical and Financial Benefits of Tiny House Living for Older Adults

The tiny house movement has seen substantial growth in recent years and shows no signs of slowing down. People are interested in tiny home living for various reasons. Some want to adopt a minimalistic lifestyle. Others find it more affordable, or even more peaceful. 

For older adults, there might be even greater physical and financial benefits. 

It’s not uncommon for seniors to make a change in their living spaces after retirement or once the kids leave the house. If you’re considering a move, understanding the benefits of tiny home living might help you decide if it’s right for you. 

Let’s take a look at some of those benefits that can help to make your golden years more comfortable and stress-free. 

The Benefits of Downsizing

When you buy your first family home, bigger is usually better, especially if you plan on growing your family. But, when your kids have moved out to start their own lives, downsizing is often the way to go. It can save you money, make your home easier to take care of and reduce the stress of having to manage a large property. 

Tiny house living can provide all of those benefits and more. 

First, your expenses will go down. Tiny houses are relatively inexpensive when compared to traditional homes. So much so, that 68% of tiny home dwellers have no mortgage. You’ll also save on: 

  • Utilities;
  • Taxes;
  • Repairs;
  • Maintenance.

If you’re retired and living on a fixed income, these savings can help you to live comfortably without having to stress about a budget. 

Tiny house living also provides more freedom. With fewer possessions and greater mobility – and money – you’ll have more time and resources to travel, spend time with friends, or take up new hobbies and activities. 

Moving into a tiny home is also a way to downsize your budget and live a fulfilling retired lifestyle. Before moving house, be sure to create a plan to declutter, and give away unnecessary items. Working with a financial planner can also help you make smart decisions with the money that you are now saving by moving into a smaller space, and help you live a more simplistic lifestyle. 

A Simple Kind of Life

There are some tiny house communities that are settled into urban settings. However, many people associate tiny homes with rural living. One of the great things about building your own tiny house or moving an existing one is that you can really choose the location that best fits your needs, depending on coding and zoning restrictions. 

Living in a rural area can be a great way to lead a simpler, stress-free life. It can also improve your physical and mental health. 

For example, living in nature can give you the necessary motivation to get outside every day. Spending time in nature generates calmness, and joy, and can lower your risk of developing depression or anxiety. Taking walks outside or doing any kind of outdoor physical activity can also improve your overall well-being. It’s not uncommon for people to deal with more health concerns as they age. Certain conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and varicose veins become more of a risk as you get older. Often, though, you can lower those risks and fight back against potential ailments through lifestyle changes – like regular exercising. 

If you choose to live in a tiny home community, you can also enjoy the benefits of socialization. Loneliness and isolation can be major issues for the senior community, leading to mental and physical health issues. Tiny house communities can increase interaction and regular socialization to fight back against the symptoms of loneliness. 

Aging in Place

Often, older adults want to stay in their homes as they age, rather than move into an assisted living facility. Tiny house living makes that easier. Because tiny homes can be built virtually anywhere, you can choose to move closer to your adult children or other family members who can check in on you regularly. 

Furthermore, if you choose to construct a tiny house rather than purchase one, you (and your caretakers) can customize it to fit your needs.  Accessibility features like wheelchair ramps, handrails, and an open floor plan are all great ways to help you age in place safely.

Finally, you can choose to move into a tiny house that makes it easy to access the things you need. Rural living might be the best option for some people, but there’s no reason you can’t move into an existing neighborhood or a city setting. Being in a central location makes it easier to go to doctor appointments, get groceries, and run basic errands without having to worry about driving too far or being away from home for too long. When you’re in a central location, it’s also easier for family members, friends, or even medical teams to reach you if necessary. 

Tiny houses aren’t just for single people or minimalistic millennials. If you’re ready to downsize from your family home after retirement, or you want to age in place throughout your golden years, you’ll save money, and can even boost your physical and mental well-being by making the move to a tiny house.

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