<prompt> Human: Due to unforeseen circumstances my parents are forced in to a mostly full retirement. They have very little retirement saved up, most income at this point comes from leasing out a commercial fishing permit and social security. That alone isnt enough to carry them for the next 10 years. They currently have roughly 200k of potential equity in their home 15 years left to pay it off but would prefer not to sell. Are their any reasonable ways to capitalize on that equity without selling? Reverse mortgages, at first blush, seem a rip-off. Thanks in advance!Assistant: How old are your parents? Please clarify what forced in to a mostly full retirement means?What percentage of their expenses are covered by the lease and social security?If they sold their house could they downsize to a paid off home?Human: 65 and 68. Father was a commercial fisherman who had a quadruple bypass surgery curtailing his work at sea or any major physical labor. Roughly 70 covered by lease and social security. They likely could downsize to a paid off or almost completely paid off home. They would be about 90 covered then due to lack of mortgage payment.  <response>: Unfortunately, this sounds pretty normal. Most people cannot sustain challenging physical labor into or beyond retirement age. I would definitely downsize and look to make up the other 10. One or both of them could work part time. Depending upon expenses, it is possible they could be minimized.If your dad has spent decades as a commercial fishermen and is mentally able not not physically able to continue the work, I would look at any support work he can do in the field. If your dad could put 5-10 more years into his career and be smart about saving it might really help your parents to be in a better position.Something will need to change otherwise. Losing a primary income that you did not save enough to replace, especially when you have not paid off your house, is normally not doable. 