Housing Options for Baby Boomers

Speak out as baby boomers regarding housing

For many baby boomers, the issue of housing does not appear to be a major concern. For many other baby boomers, the lack of appropriate housing is becoming increasingly serious, as there are numerous life-threatening situations that must be addressed.

As a baby boomer, do you have appropriate housing? If not, why not? For many baby boomers like you, the question of feasible housing options may be looming large on the horizon.

Ask yourself the following questions: Should baby boomers own or rent their houses? Should baby boomers own or rent condominiums? Should baby boomers own or rent apartments? Should baby boomers own or rent trailers? Should baby boomers live in subsidized housing? Should baby boomers live in senior's housing? Should baby boomers live in retirement homes? Should baby boomers live in group homes for baby boomers? Should baby boomers live with family members? Should baby boomers live in shelters? Should baby boomers live in tent cities? Should baby boomers live on the streets?

Obviously, baby boomers should not have to live on the streets. That is not a viable option for healthy living; neither are tent cities or shelters. Tent cities and shelters should strictly for emergencies. These are not appropriate options in terms of baby boomer housing. No baby boomer should be forced to live with family members either, for many different reasons.

Retirement homes, senior's housing and subsidized housing, offer a partial solution. Obviously, there are other realistic options for baby boomers to consider with regard to housing, but there are a number of important factors that must be taken into consideration.

The number of baby boomers currently in need of housing:

The whole issue of housing for baby boomers is becoming more and more serious daily, because there are already many baby boomers, in need of immediate housing. Hundreds of baby boomers have lost their homes, for various reasons. Others stand to lose their homes, in the immediate future.

Recent economic downturns:

Recent economic downturns have placed the housing market in a precarious position. The market is rapidly declining. More and more homes are going into foreclosure, as the cost of mortgages exceeds the value of the properties. There does not appear to be any immediate resolution for this problem, although there have been long term measures introduced with regard to reducing mortgage rates.

The increasing number of singles:

There are more singles in the baby boomer generation, than in any other previous generation, which suggests that typical family housing, may not be what baby boomers are going to need in the future. Other, more viable options are going to be necessary. Would extended family group housing, offer a reasonable alternative to baby boomers in need of housing? This appears to be one realistic option for baby boomers, particularly for those who are single or left by themselves, for whatever reason.

Housing for baby boomers is a multi-level concern.

Addressing the question of baby boomer housing, appears to be a complex issue, as there are no two baby boomers going to seek exactly the same kind of resolution for housing problems. The decisions made by baby boomers with regard to housing, will be directly related to levels of employment, income, pension, family, location and government policies.

The ratio of baby boomers to the younger generation:

The high ratio of baby boomers to the number of people in the younger generations means that many baby boomers may not have families to assume responsibility for them and their needs, as they enter into their retirement years. These baby boomers will have to fend for themselves. Their needs may not be met by family members. Many of them will be expected to provide for themselves. Some of them may have others, who are still dependent upon them for various reasons.

The loss of pensions and lifetime savings:

Many baby boomers are confronted with the loss of previous employment pensions and lifetime savings. While years of employment should have led to appropriate pensions and lifetime savings, these are disappearing quickly. The financial cushion that many baby boomers expected to have, by the time of their retirement, is no longer there. Their incomes are reduced drastically, while the cost of living is still on the rise.

The increasing level of unemployment:

At the same time as there are decreasing opportunities for employment for baby boomers, the housing crisis is becoming increasingly serious. When baby boomers are unemployed, they may lack sufficient income to obtain appropriate housing. Some kind of alternative, affordable housing arrangements are essential for basic survival.

In conclusion, there are always going to be options that are not appropriate or suitable for all baby boomers with regard to housing. It would appear that there are no perfect solutions or easy answers either, in the light of the growing housing crisis that is looming in the future. At the same time, every baby boomer should have access to reasonable housing, regardless of his or her status in life. No baby boomer should have to live on the streets, in shelters or in tent cities. Baby boomers should not be forced to live in accommodations that are less than appropriate for healthy living. In reality, at this very moment in history, there are numerous baby boomers residing in almost every one of the above situations, including baby boomers living on the streets, in many large cities. Many baby boomers have been forced to seek shelters or tent cities.

Perhaps the one scenario that has not been addressed fully is that of the possibility of establishing group homes for baby boomers. It is becoming increasingly important that baby boomers have realistic, viable options with regard to housing and that the current scenario is not allowed to spiral out of control. This is a serious problem for many baby boomers. It requires immediate, realistic and reasonable action with regard to effective resolution. It also demands an appropriate response from others, in terms of the love of God and fellow man.

So, if you are a baby boomer what can you do? What can others who are concerned about the plight of baby boomers do? 

If you are a baby boomer who needs appropriate housing, speak out immediately! It is important. Baby boomers and others are encouraged to dialogue together, with regard to housing options for baby boomers and the seriousness of the implications regarding non-viable options. Seek answers with regard to possible housing for yourself and for others. The baby boomers of today have a voice, individually and collectively. 

Speak out as one voice, with other baby boomers, regarding housing. This is important for everyone!