At 87, he can't afford his rent without a roommate. He's far from alone.

February 13, 2026

TL;DR

Seniors are increasingly unable to afford rent on their own due to rising costs.
Organizations like the New York Foundation for Senior Citizens are facilitating roommate matches for seniors.
Affordability, rather than companionship, is now the main reason seniors seek roommates.
The number of Americans over 65 living with unrelated roommates has increased by 16% since 2019.
Rent for one-bedroom apartments has significantly increased in major U.S. cities, with New York experiencing the largest monthly rise.
Many retirees have insufficient savings, with the average American worker having less than $1,000 saved for retirement.
Working part-time, like Ferber at Costco, is often necessary to supplement Social Security income.

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