Working with a Realtor who prioritizes your best interests is crucial. It’s all about finding the right fit for your needs and goals. In many cases, it can be more practical for seniors, especially those in their mid-80s, to rent instead of buy. 
As a Realtor with extensive experience helping seniors, I always ask them what their purpose is for buying a house. For instance, I had a client in her 80s who wanted to purchase a home to leave it as a legacy for her children. In such cases, I see the value in making a significant purchase later in life.
This is why I believe it is important to always have transparent conversations with your clients and as their Realtor discuss the Pros and Cons to home ownership!