Shared living arrangements, like those we know from young students, are becoming increasingly popular among older people as well. No other form of housing offers so much companionship and freedom at the same time. Especially when aging begins to restrict us, living in a senior or plus-size shared apartment can open new doors to personal autonomy.
Throughout our lives, we go through many different phases. Each has its own validity and can offer opportunities. But especially those phases in which we have to completely reorient ourselves initially demand a lot from us. Just as not every young person knows which vocational training they want to pursue immediately after graduating from school, retirement is often accompanied by considerable uncertainty. Typically, one's living situation also needs to be reconsidered during such phases.
Here, the "older" generation can learn from the younger generation and adopt their strategies. For young people, joining forces and sharing apartments is the most natural thing in the world. Not only is reorientation easier in a group, but shared living also offers numerous advantages financially and emotionally.
In a shared apartment, joys and sorrows, as well as costs and household chores, can be shared. Supporting each other in everyday life, having a listening ear, sharing tips and tricks, and being surprised with a homemade birthday cake – all this comes free with a good shared apartment. For older people, the sense of security that automatically arises when living with others under one roof shouldn't be underestimated: In a medical emergency, there's always someone there to help.
For those who wish to exchange their own home and loneliness for a shared living arrangement in their later years, there are several options. The classic senior shared apartment is a form of housing similar to a nursing home, usually with 24/7 care. If comprehensive medical care is needed, a senior shared apartment provides a good and supportive environment while still allowing for some personal freedom. If there are no major health problems and one can manage without external assistance, a so-called "Plus" shared apartment is a good option. The "Plus" refers to the age of the residents, which is 50 years and older.
Living together in a shared apartment for people aged 50 and over immediately brings variety to life. The camaraderie fosters a greater sense of adventure and courage. Whether it's sports, nature, or culture, together they dare to really take on new challenges. This is fun and keeps you fit, because physical activity and social interaction strengthen both physical and mental health.
The demand for shared apartments for seniors has risen sharply. On several online portals, such as WG-Gesucht.de, pluswgs.de, wohnen-im-alter.de, and immobilienscout24.de, people aged 50 and over are searching for rooms or roommates. However, the shared apartment model isn't ideal for everyone. For example, someone who has lived alone for an extended period might feel more comfortable in a shared house with more privacy. Interesting options for this can also be found on these online platforms. Many retirees, by the way, enroll in special senior citizen programs at universities or colleges and meet their future roommates through these programs.
Perhaps your own home, which you can barely afford on your own anymore, is perfectly suited to being shared with one or two new roommates, transforming it into a more vibrant and carefree place. Four hands make light work, whether it's gardening or housework. Suddenly having to share the bathroom cabinet and the stovetop might feel a little strange at first. But after a short adjustment period, and especially once shared coffee breaks have become a cherished ritual, you won't want to be without your roommates.