Enjoying the best years: Social life in the senior community
Longevity studies show that seniors live longer in community. Find out why communal living is healthy and good for the brain here.
Seniors in community live at least ten years longer, reports the Canadian Cohousing Network. In line with this, communal living is also attracting more and more interest among seniors and singles over 40. There are various models that go far beyond the comfort of a student flat-share; for example, a flat house where everyone lives in their own flat. These are equipped with all the trimmings and also have common rooms. People help each other, but remain responsible for themselves. Whether as a multi-generational house, a house for senior citizens or as a housing estate: everyone in their own little house, but also in community with the others in the estate.
Is it the qualities of independence plus social life that keep us young and intelligent?
We think: Yes! Because...
- This way you have your friends right around the corner. This way you avoid loneliness, as is the case with many people who live alone into old age. Conversations, exchanging opinions and ideas: This keeps the brain awake and alive. You remember: social life is one of the top points of super agers.
- In old people's and nursing homes, people live very close to each other and the feeling is like being pushed away and looked after. Communal living offers a lot of private space and at the same time qualities such as mental stimulation, independence, support and familiarity.
- Homes for the elderly often feel like a "final stop", which is depressing. In communal living, you stay in the middle of life. This keeps you healthy longer.
- You don't have to worry about not getting help when you need it. Because you have people around you who would miss you if you didn't show up.
- Sheltered housing and care housing are much more expensive. In shared housing you share some things with friends and this lowers the costs.
