Did you ever dream of living the life of a hippie when you were young? I was a junior in high school in 1968 so I was a tad too young to revel in the summer of love. Still, there is no reason you can’t live in a hippie-type environment or Golden Girls lifestyle now that you’re older.
I’m living that life in a way. When my longtime boyfriend died, I rented a room for 6 months while I waited for a friend from high school to finish building an ADU home next to hers. Her idea was to have a compound where friends her age could live together side by side.
I finally moved in and now two of us live in the new house that has 2 bedrooms, and 2 baths, while my friend lives in a house on the same property.
It’s not exactly a hippie commune but it’s close
The three of us are all in our late sixties. Living together as older women has its advantages. A huge one is that there will always be someone around in case someone takes a spill or has a medical issue.
We don’t share meals like we would if we were an actual hippie commune and buy our own food because we each have preferences. We eat together when we celebrate special occasions, and always have some to chat with so we don’t feel alone.
Living like Golden Girls
It’s hard to imagine that we’re at the stage of life Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, and Sophia were in the TV show but we are.
Adjusting to living with other single women of a certain age
Both of my friends are major pot smokers and I am not. I never liked it even in the 70s. They even grow it on our property as it’s now legal in California. I can’t stand the smell even though it’s a little easier to take than cigarettes, which I really hate. My roommate occasionally smokes those in the middle of the night but I complain.
I bought a small HEPA filter to suck up her smoke in my room so I don’t have to inhale her secondhand stink.
Animal antics
My roommate has a 20 lb cat and my friend has a Dutch Shepard. I had two little pups but they got old so now I pet sit to get my doggie fix. Pets are so great at helping us stay relaxed and entertained.
I’m planning to stay awhile
The thought of moving again is not something I want to think about so I’m hoping this will be my last time as long as we’re all alive. It’s a perfect situation if it goes well. If you’re a single older woman, you may want to consider doing something similar. Our hippie commune days may be over, but we can still live like Golden Girls.
Are you single and have you thought about living with other older women? Or, do you feel that might be a possibility if you find yourself alone someday? Please leave a comment below.
I think that having housemates or some form of communal living is an ideal way to stave off loneliness and boredom for older singles. It sounds like you’ve got yourself a wonderful situation.
Rena
Thanks, Rena. So great to hear from you. I’m excited about it and hoping for the best. So far, it’s been great.
I think this is great. After I got my divorce in my early 40’s I moved into a house with a high school girlfriend. We were both divorced and had teenage sons. We shared expenses and even food. I was able to help her with her bills (home, electric, oil, etc.) while getting back on my feet financially. After a couple of years I was able to move out, but I really did enjoy having this built in community.
Thanks for sharing that Jennifer. It’s nice to have support but still keep your independence. So far, I’m loving it.
I am currently exploring different living situations; however, I like the colder weather. But I’m interested in learning more about these types of arrangements. I’m out of a long-term relationship and looking for other options.
Hi Sherry, If you can find a situation where you can live in a house with a girlfriend or two you get along with, it can be ideal and lots of fun. I hope you have luck finding something like that.