Housing for the elderly: Alternative forms of housing are on the rise

Shared apartments have traditionally been a housing option for students. But times are changing. Around 500 multigenerational housing projects now exist in German cities, where people of all generations live together and support each other in daily life. Senior citizen shared living arrangements are also enjoying increasing popularity.

"Who is interested in a senior citizens' shared apartment? I'm 64 years young and have a cat!" reads an advertisement on the "plusWGs" website. It's not just since celebrities like former Bremen mayor Henning Scherf have spoken about their shared living arrangements that seniors have become more willing to embrace alternative housing projects.

“These days, many people can move mountains at 60,” Scherf said in an interview. He and his wife were only in their mid-40s, their children already grown and gone, when the couple started thinking about how they wanted to live in their later years. “A little later, together with friends, we cleverly renovated this house in the city center and started our cohousing project,” Scherf explains. Up to ten people of all ages live there together under one roof.
Today’s “50+” generation, which is gradually starting to consider alternative forms of housing, comes from the baby boom generation of the 1960s. Many of them already had experience living in shared accommodation in their younger years and know what they’re getting into. A generation of active seniors is growing up who are far from being considered past their prime and want to live independently for as long as possible. For most people, a nursing home is a dreaded prospect they would rather avoid. Moreover, those who live in a community have a good chance of remaining mentally fit and active well into old age.

Those who can't find roommates among their acquaintances or friends turn to the internet. Portals like "Lebensfreude50.de" allow users to specifically search for like-minded individuals. Organizations like "MuT" plan intergenerational shared living projects and, for example, rent disused farmhouses where "comfortable groups" are to be created, fostering a "tolerant and active community" with plenty of space for separate and individual living, but also with communal areas such as a large eat-in kitchen. Of course, good access to a nearby town with shopping and leisure facilities is important, especially given the decreasing mobility associated with age.

Of course, senior co-housing offers open-minded individuals not only personal advantages but also practical benefits: Renting or buying a room in a shared living project results in considerable cost savings – especially regarding care in advanced age. Depending on individual needs and preferences, an outpatient care service can be provided. Even 24-hour care for all members of the co-housing community is more affordable.

A nice side effect: The relatives are relieved of some of the burden.

In light of the aging population, such initiatives are welcomed and supported by the federal government. Due to demographic changes, approximately 800,000 new care places will be needed by 2050, which naturally represents an immense cost factor.

Sources: baumodelle-bmfsfj.de, stadtmarketing.eu, welt.de, neue-wohnformen.de, lebensfreude50.de, sozialplanung-senioren.de, bagso.de, deutsches-seniorenportal.de, pluswgs.de