Wealth Insights
Redefining retirement: Golden Girls go luxe

Article 6 min read Published March 3, 2026

Affluent retirees are embracing a friendship-driven lifestyle with a high-end twist.

The cultural reference to “The Golden Girls” brings to mind the iconic 1980s Miami household shared by four women whose story began with financial necessity. Their enduring relevance stems from more than nostalgia. The show’s portrayal of resilient friendships, multigenerational support, and shared living arrangements reflects a model that continues to resonate across generations.

While the characters living arrangements were initially born out of financial need, the quartet showed the world that co-habitation in retirement is about more than just money. Women generally outlive men by an average of five years and home sharing - a practice more common among women - may help them maintain or potentially elevate their quality of life during the golden years. And women aren’t just looking at cohabitating with friends, they are also leaning on friends for recreation in retirement, as well.

“Whether widowed, never married, long divorced or recent gray divorce, single affluent women of a certain age are a growing demographic with increasing financial power,” notes Connie Rogers, Regional Executive for Regions Private Wealth Management. According to Forbes, women 55 and older in general are the largest demographic in the U.S. with incomes over $100,000, account for 27% of all consumer spending and $15 trillion in purchasing power are expected to control 75% of discretionary spending by 2028.”

Additionally, single women 55 and older with a net worth over $5 million represent a meaningful and growing share of high end residential real estate purchases, according to industry analyses.

“This real estate is often either in suburban or coastal areas focusing on properties that offer luxury and convenience,” says Rogers. “It is no longer a given that a spouse will keep the family home post-divorce or the passing of their husband. Women are more frequently seeing relocation as a chance for downsizing, independence, lower maintenance, and community living.”

Evolving trends: Travel

Spending trends seen with affluent older women reflecting a high willingness to pay for convenience and quality placing priority on wellness and travel.

“Travel is a big item for affluent women with a recent surge of 11%,” notes Rogers citing a statistic highlighted by Forbes. “Women 50 and older make up the majority of solo luxury travelers with this number forecast to double in the next decade.”

High end travel companies are catering more frequently to female only travel groups. Women are seeking curated experiences, art, nature and flexible itineraries with a small group. European river cruises, stays in Irish castles with high tea, and wellness retreats are all examples of popular destinations and experiences.

Jenny Burke, Private Wealth Advisor has noticed an uptick in women traveling with friends in retirement even when they are still happily married. Many women are finding that when their husbands decide not to travel, it opens the door to exploring the world with friends,” says Burke. “Rather than meeting for shopping or games such as mahjong, they are gravitating toward experiences that enrich their lives.”

Evolving trends: Wellness

Today’s golden girls aren’t only seeking wellness experiences through travel.

“Regular visits to day spas for relaxation and beauty treatments plus more advanced cosmetic procedures are becoming more common,” says Rogers. “This generation of retirees is also booking sessions at exclusive gyms, Pilates studios and private yoga.”

Evolving trends: Combating loneliness

The U. S. Surgeon General declared a loneliness epidemic in America in 2023. Social isolation and loneliness represent a serious and widespread public health crisis that impacts half of American adults and poses similar risks to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Affecting mental health (depression, anxiety) and physical health (heart disease, dementia, premature death) and driven by factors like technology, individualism and economic inequality, further exacerbated by the pandemic, this trend highlights a societal breakdown in meaningful connections.

Retirement living gets a makeover

Developers have taken note of the success of active 55+ communities, and the draw for women in particular is strong. From pickleball leagues to kayaking clubs and mahjong, many of these communities offer a lifestyle that harkens back to the community living of the college years, with just a bit more sophistication and class.

So, like Dorothy, Rose, Blanche and Sophia did for “The Golden Girls” in the 80s, this new generation of golden girls is redefining retirement—and living a luxurious life to its fullest!