I have heard this also. It appears to occur when one spouse is 62 and the other is not. I have heard stories about when the couple needs to cash out equity for debt payment and the younger spouse quit claims the title to the elder spouse. In which case the younger spouse would not be on either the note nor mortgage nor would the younger spouse be a title holder.

It would make more sense to refi with the usual mortgage until the younger spouse reaches 62, and then pursue a reverse mortgage naming both parties. It would certainly help if title is held in joint tenancy with right of survivorship.