At some point, often quietly, the question arises, is this still the right place for me to live? 

Sometimes it comes after a fall on the stairs, or a conversation with a grown-up child, or a moment of realisation while trying to manage the garden. Sometimes it’s about money. Or loneliness. Or a sense that the place that once felt like home has slowly begun to feel like a burden. Whatever the reason, thinking about where, and how, to live after sixty is one of the most personal decisions there is. 

There’s no single answer. No template. But there are options. And knowing what’s out there can help the next step feel less daunting, and more like a beginning than an ending. 

For some, staying put is still the best option, but with a few changes. That might mean adapting a home to make it safer or easier to move around in. Installing grab rails, a walk-in shower, or better lighting. Decluttering stairs. Rearranging things so that everything you need is on one floor. Many local councils offer grants or support for home adaptations, particularly where health is a factor. Charities like Age UK and Foundations can also provide advice and guidance. 

Others begin to explore downsizing. This can be a way of releasing equity, cutting costs, or simply reducing the physical and emotional load of maintaining a larger property. A smaller home doesn’t have to mean compromise. It can mean less cleaning, fewer repairs, and more time to focus on what really matters. Some people move closer to family. Others move to places they’ve always loved but never quite made permanent. The key is to look for somewhere that supports your life, rather than constrains it. 

Renting in later life is also becoming more common, especially among those who may never have owned a home, or who have sold up and want flexibility. While the private rental market can feel insecure, there are schemes designed specifically for older renters, including retirement rentals and housing association properties. Some offer long-term tenancies, on-site support, or shared amenities like gardens and lounges. It’s worth asking questions about security of tenure, rent increases, and what services are included. 

Sheltered housing and retirement living developments offer a halfway point between independence and support. Residents usually have their own flats but share communal areas and often benefit from an on-site warden or emergency system. Some enjoy the community feel, the social opportunities, and the peace of mind. Others find them too restrictive, so it’s important to visit, talk to residents, and consider whether the culture fits your personality. 

For those looking for something more collective, co-housing is an increasingly appealing model. This involves small groups of people living in private homes but sharing communal spaces, kitchens, gardens, meeting rooms. Decisions are made together, and the emphasis is on mutual support and connection. It’s not for everyone, but for some, especially those living solo, it offers a sense of community that’s hard to find elsewhere. 

There are also intergenerational living schemes being trialled in parts of the UK, older people sharing homes with younger tenants in exchange for reduced rent and a few hours of help each week. While still relatively rare, these arrangements can offer companionship and practical support in equal measure. 

Choosing to move in later life, or deciding to stay, is not just a financial decision. It’s emotional. Psychological. Sometimes spiritual. The place we live holds our memories. Our routines. Our sense of self. Changing that can feel like a loss, even when it’s the right thing to do. So it’s important to give it time. To visit different places. To talk honestly with the people you trust. And to remind yourself that the goal isn’t just somewhere to live, it’s somewhere to feel at home. 

Whether that means a tidy flat in a quiet town, a room in a shared house full of laughter, or a smaller version of the life you’ve always known, the most important thing is that it fits who you are now. Not who you were twenty years ago. Not who others think you should be. Just you. At sixty. Or seventy. Or beyond. 

Because this chapter matters too. And you deserve to live it in a place that helps you thrive. 

Further Help and Resources

If you’re thinking about moving, downsizing, adapting your home, or exploring housing options in later life, the following organisations offer advice, guidance, and support across the UK: 

Age UK 
Offers clear, practical advice on housing and care options, home adaptations, and staying safe and independent at home. Their local branches can help with forms, grants, and signposting. 

Independent Age 
Provides excellent free guides on housing choices, including downsizing, renting, sheltered housing, and getting support to stay at home. Their advice line is friendly and easy to access. 

EAC (Elderly Accommodation Counsel) 
Runs the useful HousingCare.org website, which lists retirement properties, care homes, and sheltered housing schemes across the UK, with helpful filters and guides.  

Foundations 
The national body for home improvement agencies in England. They can help you find local support for home adaptations, safety improvements, and repairs.  

Shelter 
Provides advice and advocacy for people facing housing insecurity, poor conditions, or eviction. Although best known for supporting younger renters and families, they also offer guidance for older adults. 

Care & Repair England
A project offering peer-to-peer support to older people considering housing changes. Though not active in all areas, it’s worth exploring for local initiatives and personal stories. 

Your Local Authority 
Many councils provide home adaptation grants, energy-efficiency schemes, or help with rehousing — especially where health or accessibility is a factor. Ask for the adult social care or housing support team. 

If you’re not sure where to begin, starting with a conversation, with your GP, a trusted friend, or a local advice agency, can help to break the subject open gently. Housing is never just about buildings. It’s about comfort, identity, and security. And you deserve all three.