The Golden Girls Effect
Betty White showed us that four women living together can have hilarious adventures, tell stories at night and take care of each other during tough times. Even though it was a hilarious 80’s sitcom, “The Golden Girls” taught us ways to improve housing with the idea that roommates could be a blessing (and not just to women in their 50’s).
I present: the Golden Girl Effect. The idea of sharing a space is not new. It's how plenty of households in the US have always made ends meet and found friends. Today I have a lot of people asking me how they can “downsize within their zip code” because there are no options for them other than to buy another big house or head to the assisted living high rise. Inspired by Betty White and her character Rose, here are three zoning lessons learned from “The Golden Girls.”
1. Redefining Family (and who lives with you)
Blanche wants to put in a hot tub and not go through any permitting process so she can avoid extra costs (not recommended). Because Rose follows the rules, she contacts the local zoning and planning department who show up, infuriating Blanche. The permit officer issues an inexpensive permit to build the hot tub. In the moment, Rose lets slip that there are four individuals living under one roof. The officer takes issue with this and says that that is illegal and one person needs to move out. In the end, Blache allows Dorthory, Sophia and Rose to buy equal shares of the home, allowing everyone to remain.
It is very common in the United States to live with a roommate (or several) in rental housing options. When it comes to single-family homes though, the definition of “family” and who is allowed to live together has been disputed through many committees and neighborhood associations throughout Atlanta. We need to keep an open mind to what it means to live with roommates. We must understand that it is a housing style that is available to anyone, regardless of age, income, geographic location, or anything else. Living with roommates (especially in later adulthood) adds one more tool to the toolbox we use to create abundant housing options and housing choice for all.
2. Subsidizing Income
With Blanche owning the house and the other women paying rent, there are several instances where Blanche being able to subsidize her income comes up. For example, when Blanche wants to buy a Mercedes, when she wants to have a facelift, when she wants to put in a hot tub (and I am sure there are several more). The point is that the homeowner gains a new source of income by allowing others to rent from them.
Today, the nation is facing serious issues with gentrification and not allowing Legacy residents to remain in their homes. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) can provide an opportunity for residents to remain in their neighborhood by creating an additional income source for homeowners. ADUs can also provide a naturally affordable rental option for community members, and also serve as a great way to downsize. (By the way, check out AARP’s ADU Guide.)
3. Combating Loneliness
Time and time again at the end of every episode the Golden Girls take a moment to recommit to their friendship and to being happy they have found each other. Today the Loneliness Epidemic is reducing the average lifespan of Americans. Loneliness has even been compared to smoking 15 cigarettes per day. Nationally, we are mistaking isolation for privacy and it's killing us.
Even though the Golden Girls is meant to make us laugh, with every episode we are reminded how wonderful and fulfilling friends are for the soul. What would it be like if you lived with one or two friends, being able to laugh and go through life together with joy and love and gratitude for one another?
Let us know at thoughts@microlifeinstitute.org. Send us your own Golden Girls moments, or ideas or topics you’d like us to discuss!
