The Equal Credit Opportunity Act forbids age discrimination, meaning that older citizens can apply for a mortgage. And there’s a sizable market there as statistics show that 10 percent of all mortgages are for applicants aged 65 or over.

The caveat, of course, is that many are no longer working full-time so they might not meet the monthly requirements. On the other hand, assets such as pensions, social security benefits, dividends, and interest all may be used.

Some lenders also have special programs geared toward senior citizens.