This study investigates housing options for unmarried retired Saudi women, addressing a gap in Saudi housing policies tailored to this group. The objective is to explore alternative living arrangements that cater to their needs while maintaining cultural and social congruence. Employing a descriptive research method, the study analyzes data and reports from global and regional housing models, identifying best practices for adaptation in Saudi Arabia. The sample comprises unmarried Saudi women aged 65 and above, representing 51.6% to 88.1% of their respective age brackets. Current options, including residing with family or shared households, are often unsuitable due to cultural stigmas and limited independence. The study emphasizes alternatives such as repurposed homes, independent living communities, and assisted living facilities. Examples from the United States, Singapore, and New Zealand provide insights into affordable, elderly-friendly housing models. Findings highlight the necessity of policy reforms to support housing diversity, including independent living communities and culturally adapted assisted living arrangements. This research underscores the urgent need for Saudi housing policies to accommodate the growing elderly population, projected to reach 11% by 2030, and calls for inclusive approaches that respect societal values while promoting independence and well-being for unmarried retired women.
Keywords: Housing Options, Unmarried Retired Women, Elderly Housing, Housing policy.