More freedom in housing in old age
As life expectancy continues to rise, new ideas for senior living are needed. Retirement homes alone cannot adequately address the demographic shift. Therefore, architects and civil engineers are working on new housing concepts that are better suited to the over-60 generation.
Many older people today are more mobile and vibrant than ever before. Despite potential health limitations, they have a strong desire to live independently. Currently, new housing models and smart technologies specifically designed for seniors are becoming increasingly available, addressing this need. The focus is not only on barrier-free living, but above all on maintaining independence and quality of life. Residential complexes that integrate age-related services such as shopping assistance or home care are a particularly sensible concept. However, the social aspect must also be considered when planning age-appropriate housing. This involves fostering a diverse community of residents. Seniors should have contact with other seniors as well as with younger generations.
Smarter and safer
So-called Ambient Assisted Living aims to make life easier for seniors through the use of smart technologies. Sensors installed in the apartment can, for example, switch lights on and off and detect whether the stove has been turned off or when an open balcony door needs to be closed. This minimizes the risk of accidents and burglaries.
Shared Spaces – more interaction between generations
In both major cities and the surrounding suburbs, living space has become increasingly scarce in recent years. There is currently no end in sight to this trend. As space becomes increasingly limited horizontally, more buildings will have to be constructed vertically, and individual apartments are likely to become smaller. However, this could also present an opportunity for new housing concepts. To compensate for the reduced number of square meters, the construction industry will have to come up with innovative solutions.
In light of increasing housing shortages, it is an interesting development – especially considering the social needs of the older generation – that "shared spaces" are once again coming into focus. These are areas used jointly by residents, such as fitness rooms or libraries, but also communal kitchens or meeting rooms. There, residents of a building can communicate and spend time together. Frequent encounters between seniors and younger people are significantly encouraged by the presence of such spaces.
Sustainable living with wood
The environment also benefits from innovative concepts for senior living, and many seniors consider a more sustainable lifestyle desirable. Solar energy, geothermal energy, and wood pellets are already important components of an ecological and sustainable energy supply. In addition, natural building materials such as wood are becoming increasingly important for sustainable construction. The first high-rise buildings are already being built with wood.
Do you have questions about housing for seniors or are you considering making your property accessible? Contact us! We'd be happy to advise you.
You can find more information about living in the future here:
https://www.technik-zum-menschen-bringen.de/themen/digitale-gesellschaft/wohnkonzepte-der-zukunft
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altenheim
Legal notice: This article does not constitute tax or legal advice for any specific case. Please consult a lawyer and/or tax advisor to clarify the facts of your individual situation.
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About the author
Harry Mohr
Real estate agent (Chamber of Industry and Commerce)Harry Mohr, author of this article
