Finding Home Again: Options for Women Facing Housing Insecurity
For many older single women, housing insecurity can come as an unwelcome surprise. We’ve spent our best decades building a family, caring for loved ones, and holding down a career. The reward is often divorce, job loss, and estrangement. When coupled with scarcity of suitable affordable housing, and cost of living far outstripping earnings or interest from savings, it becomes hard to keep a roof over your head.
As I’ve discovered through trial and error, there are creative, practical, and even adventurous options out there, that can help overcome housing insecurity. With some flexibility and courage, you can find a living situation that suits your needs and budget, while setting about developing a whole new chapter of life.
Rent Out a Room in Your Own Home
If you own your home, or even if you rent, but are struggling with expenses, renting out a room can ease the financial pressure. You might consider hosting a student, a traveler, or another woman in a similar situation, or even renting the room using Air BnB on a short term basis. This generates income, can help reduce loneliness, and alleviates the stress of tryingy to make ends meet.
House Sharing
Let’s get one thing straight: The Golden girls is a sitcom. It’s NOT REAL! We may have shared a home with others when we were young adults, but doing so when older is a whole different kettle of fish! Being the lease or property owner is the best position to be in as you then have the ability to pick and choose who you reside with, and what the rules are. However, if you need to move in to an established household, you have greater freedom to move elsewhere, lower risk and establishment costs, and can as such, the financial stresses are far less.
Shared housing with other like-minded women is growing in popularity; primarily out of sheer necessity. It can be a wonderful way to cut costs, pool resources, and reduce loneliness, especially if you’re like-minded people. Whether you're in your 50s, 60s, or beyond, living with others doesn't mean sacrificing privacy; it means building a supportive mini-community where there are agreed rules and common understanding of how people should treat each other. There are websites dedicated to house sharing for older women, and a local Facebook group for the area you want to reside, is also a great way to flush out opportunity.
Granny Flat
A studio, one or two bedroom dwelling on someone’s land or under their house is often referred to as a ‘Granny Flat.’ Yep! You blinked and you’re now the granny, but once you get over that fact, you can find some incredible options. Barns are increasingly being transformed into amazing small homes. The owners of multi-story homes that originally intended to reap the rewards of Air BnB, may now have tax implications requiring them to use the space for long term tenants, and you may even get a discount if you offer to care for the owner’s pets or plants while they’re away.
Custodianship
Custodianship is a lesser-known but practical option where individuals live in and care for vacant properties in exchange for reduced rent or even free accommodation. Often used by building owners to deter vandalism or squatters, this arrangement can provide safe, low-cost housing for responsible adults. Older women who are reliable, tidy, and seeking quiet spaces may find this a great fit. In some cases, it involves only basic upkeep; in others, you may be asked to report maintenance issues or perform light cleaning. It's a unique way to secure a place to live while helping preserve unused buildings—sometimes in very desirable locations.
Long-stay International Rentals
If you’re open to adventure, then long-stay rentals (over 4 weeks) in a more affordable country can be life-changing. Countries like Thailand, Mexico, and Spain offer lower living costs, good healthcare, and warm, welcoming cultures. You can often rent a lovely apartment for a fraction of what you’d pay at home, or like I did, move in to a wellness resort or hotel. Add sunshine, delicious food, and new friendships, and suddenly, housing insecurity transforms into fun!
Long-Term Volunteering
Many organizations around the world offer room and board in exchange for your time, skills, and heart. This type of arrangement can be ideal for older women looking for a meaningful way to live affordably while giving back. Whether you're drawn to teaching English in rural villages, helping out at eco-lodges, working in animal sanctuaries, or supporting families or elderly people with household chores, there’s a wide variety of opportunities. Some programs involve organic farming (WWOOF), youth mentorship, art or craft instruction, or even helping restore old buildings. Platforms like Workaway, Worldpackers, and HelpX connect volunteers with hosts all over the globe—from vineyards in France to yoga retreats in Costa Rica. You might be cooking meals at a hostel in Portugal one month and helping plant trees in New Zealand the next. In return for 20–25 hours of help per week, you'll typically receive a place to stay, some meals, and a sense of connection to a community. It’s not just about stretching your budget—it’s about discovering purpose, adventure, and friendships in places you might never have imagined.
Teaching English Overseas
You don’t need to be a certified teacher to teach overseas. Ideally, you’re a native English speaker and have either a degree, or a TOEFL certification. While teaching English is what springs to mind for most, you can also look at teaching a skills (sewing), a topic (math), or a language other than English.
Countries across Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Eastern Europe often welcome mature-aged teachers, valuing life experience, reliability, and strong communication skills. Many positions include basic accommodation and meals, making this a practical solution for women seeking both housing and adventure.
As I said, while a teaching degree isn’t necessary, having a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification can significantly increase your chances of landing a good placement. It’ll also boost your confidence in the classroom. Many reputable providers offer affordable online TEFL courses, such as:
A basic TEFL course usually takes 120 hours and can be completed online at your own pace, or in a foreign country; sometimes in as little as a few weeks. Once certified, you can search for paid or volunteer teaching placements through websites like:
Popular countries for beginner teachers include Thailand, Vietnam, Costa Rica, Poland, and Tanzania. In some cases, you’ll be placed in private language schools; in others, you may teach in public schools or tutor individuals. Whether you're teaching kids the basics or helping adults improve their conversational skills, it’s a deeply rewarding way to live affordably while making a real impact.
Mercy Ships volunteer nurses Theresa Cheung and Anne Turner worked in Madagascar. Credit: The Federal Mirror
Hospital Ships and Humanitarian Work
For the adventurous and service-oriented, hospital ships like the Mercy Ships offer volunteer roles that provide room and board. While medical professionals are always needed, there are also opportunities for cooks, cleaners, administrators, and more. Other options include the Peace Boat, a Japan-based NGO that sails around the world promoting peace and sustainability. Volunteers (especially English teachers and interpreters) can join voyages in exchange for free passage and meals. It’s an incredible way to see the world while working toward global education. OM Ships International (Operation Mobilisation) runs the Logos Hope, a floating bookstore and aid ship that docks around the world. Volunteers can serve in administration, hospitality, maintenance, and more. As with Mercy Ships, positions typically require a small financial contribution to cover your stay. The Peace Corps is for U.S. citizens only and they accept volunteers over age 50. The Peace Corps offers paid positions with a living allowance, health insurance, and housing for 2-year international service commitments. Volunteers work in education, health, agriculture, and community development. GVI (Global Vision International) offers volunteer programs in conservation, education, and health across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. While volunteers pay a program fee, it covers housing, food, and in-country support. This is ideal for someone looking to combine a meaningful experience with safe travel.
While not all opportunities come with a paycheck, but they do provide housing, meals, a strong sense of purpose, and unforgettable life experiences. For many women looking for meaning, these programs offer a remarkable way to contribute to the world while living affordably.
Long-Term House Sitting
If you enjoy caring for pets and plants and don’t need a permanent base, house sitting might be ideal. Websites like TrustedHousesitters connect sitters with homeowners worldwide. Facebook also has an abundance of groups dedicated to this need. It won’t make you rich as yo don’t get paid, but it can provide free, comfortable accommodation in beautiful locations—sometimes for months at a time and occasionally with use of a car!
Over 50s Lifestyle Communities
Many over-50s communities offer secure, low-maintenance housing with shared amenities and social opportunities. Whether you're renting or buying, these villages can offer a real sense of belonging, but entry costs can be high. Some are specifically designed for women or solo seniors, and many are more affordable than traditional retirement living. Be sure to read the fine print and get resident-referrals before committing.
Tiny Home or Small Home Communities
If the idea of downsizing appeals, living in a tiny home or small-home community could be just right. These communities are springing up across the U.S. and abroad, offering affordable housing without the clutter or cost of a traditional house. You might buy or rent, and many areas have zoning support for this lifestyle. Again, read the fine print though as if you fall out of favor, will you be required to tow your home away, and if so, what will be the cost impact?
Co-Housing Communities
Co-housing communities offer a balance between independence and connection, making them an appealing option for older women seeking secure, affordable, and social living environments. In these intentional communities, residents have their own private living spaces but share common areas like kitchens, gardens, or lounges, fostering a sense of neighborly support. Co-housing is particularly well-established in Scandinavia, the Netherlands, and Germany, where multi-generational and senior-specific communities have thrived for decades. These models emphasize sustainability, cooperation, and mutual care—often with input from residents in the design and management of the community. Some co-housing projects are beginning to take root in other parts of the world too, including the U.S., Canada, and Australia, inspired by these successful European examples. For older single women seeking both autonomy and connection, co-housing can be a safe and empowering choice.
Summary
There’s no doubt that facing unexpected housing insecurity later in life is scary and can be demoralizing. Try to remember that being older and single doesn’t mean being stuck. It means you have freedom; possibly more than you’ve had in years. With some creativity and an open mind, you can build a new version of "home" and embark on a purpose-filled chapter that brings peace and maybe even a little adventure.
