Is a cruise ship retired elders' second home?

No.  Cruising is EXPENSIVE and it does NOT take the place of medical services at all.  If you happen to get sick - they kick you off the ship at the next port.  STOP listening to rumors.

I've heard of it with some elderly, however there shouldn't have been one single cruise line operating since January and they just happen to have 2 stuck in Florida that went to S. America. Those passengers unfortunately didn't care and knew about it in January and still chose to cruise then complain. If there is anyone on cruises not employed then they're in for a world of hurt.

You would have to be in good health to do that. A cruise ship is a floating hotel not a floating hospital.

I've et a couple elderly people, and one middle aged guy who live on cruise ships.  They are in good overall health.  It isn't a replacement for assisted living or skilled care, but it's an alternative for living in an elderly community.  It's more expensive, but the people I met could easily afford it. 

When My wife and I were on QE2 some years ago we met a lady who lived on it permanently. I understand she then moved to QM2.

Nobody who needs the level of care provided by nursing homes would be allowed on a cruise.

I have never known anyone who did that but according to this article it is possible:

https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-retire-on-a-crui...

I got a facebook thing some years ago about that. That cruise ships take fine care of people and are cheaper than many retirement homes. Nursing homes are a higher level of care than cruise ships offer. We are talking retirement homes. It's sounds funny but I imagine people do it... Pretty much live on cruise ships, one after the other.

I have heard of that. I doubt if there are many who do it. It's pretty expensive to spend all your time on cruises. And while they have medical people on board, they don't offer the kind of care that many nursing homes offer.

No because  a cruise is a short time and its expensive as well. Medical services are not meant to be used as a family practice either.