Reasoning & Evidence
Aging in place is the process of maintaining one’s independence and community participation while remaining in one’s residence throughout various stages of life.(19) Creating housing that co-locates residents of different age groups facilitates intergenerational support and combats ageism while allowing older adults to maintain social connections and independence.(9) Aging is often accompanied by a loss of independence, which can be a socially isolating experience.(15) However, intergenerational housing communities can support socially inclusive aging in place by surrounding older adults with neighbors of other age groups and resources. Both building design and programming need to be considered when developing successful intergenerational housing. Design components that encourage interactions between age groups include communal gardens, game tables, green, public spaces with walkable routes, and lounging furniture.(16–17) Activity programming directly facilitates opportunities for intergenerational bonding, and it is essential for fostering social connections in age-friendly communities. Programming examples include co-locating childcare centers with older adult care facilities, forming community discussions and support groups, and initiating a resident-run newsletter.(17, 29)
Age-friendly community housing schemes have been shown to alleviate isolation and loneliness in older adults, with a variety of models like retirement villages, continuing care communities, and cohousing communities. These models are based on seniors who are searching for a sense of community, mutual help, and social relationships. Similarly to intergenerational communities, age-friendly communities rely on activity programming to generate a strong sense of community belonging. Popular activities in senior cohousing schemes are cooking together, bingo nights, and organizing events.(18)
Examples of Community Implementation
Aarhus, Denmark: The House of Generations is an intergenerational housing project that aims to reduce loneliness through designing building spaces that foster social connection. A variety of demographics are represented in the community, including seniors, students, families, and people with disabilities. The community creates a reciprocal relationship between younger and older adults and encourages interactions like assisting with technology and childcare. The housing project design and ideals support aging in place and intergenerational bonding.(20)
Portland, Oregon: The Bridge Meadows development in Portland is designed to encourage social interactions between seniors, foster youth, and their families. The building design includes sociable common areas, as well as planned activities, group meals, and other support services that are designed to facilitate connection and mutual support among residents. The community aims to interrupt cycles of instability and isolation experienced by foster children through intergenerational community support with elders serving as mentors, friends, and caregivers to the children and each other.
Reference: The SOCIAL Framework: Housing Sector Supplemental Brief
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