Life is hard. It is harder when you've grown old, retired, cannot drive, and lose touch with the community. It doesn't stop here; you might have to compromise your independence, and loneliness will haunt you each day. Senior cohousing can be the perfect solution for you. Senior cohousing is an independent communal living for the elderly. It is designed to keep a common space to share with independent homes for each individual or family.
What is Senior Cohousing?
First, you should know what is cohousing. Basically, cohousing is an international community where private homes are accumulated around a shared space. The concept of cohousing originated in Denmark in the 1960s. It has grown in popularity across the U.S. There are more than 292 cohousing communities in the U.S. As we have got an idea about cohousing, let's move to senior cohousing.
Senior cohousing is a popular independent living option. A senior cohousing community only allows residents who are over a certain age, such as 55. Senior cohousing signifies promoting the communal relationship between the residents. Where the residents live independently in separate homes. The core ideas of senior cohousing are:
• It has a shared space in the center.
• Everything in the establishment caters to elderly homeowners.
Ideally, senior cohousing communities consist of 20 to 40 homes that are attached to a common house. These homes can be owned by families or individuals. The common space and shared facilities typically include:
- Dining space
- Kitchen
- Lawn
- Walkways
- Den
- Laundry room
- Gym and fitness center
- Recreational zone
- Transportation service
A Community Structured Around a Common Room
The common room is the key to senior cohousing. The concept of cohousing itself emphasizes social interaction and support. According to WHO, loneliness can be an epidemic. So, living independently in separate homes doesn't fulfill the notion of senior cohousing. It upholds social interaction considering your social, emotional, and physical well-being. Social interaction between the residents will be easy since all the residents will probably have common interests and goals. The responsibilities of the residents make them interact with each other. Here is how it works:
• From the beginning in planning and designing the community.
• The design encourages community interaction.
• All residents are in charge of decision-making of common concerns.
Benefits of Senior Cohousing
There are certain advantages of moving to senior living facilities. Senior cohousing has its own unique benefits. So let's briefly discuss the major benefits:
Cost Saving:
Senior cohousing is always a cost-effective option. Your household maintenance charge will be shared between the residents.Accessibility:
All senior cohousing communities are designed keeping accessibility in mind. From wheelchair accessibility to floor plans, everything is made for elderly residents.Medical Benefits:
Though this is not an alternative to nursing homes, many features make it easier for people with health challenges. From your food to your mental support, all are planned to keep you in good health.Common Interest:
You will not feel left out or like an alien in a senior cohousing community. All the residents will be somewhat near your age. Thus it is likely that you will share a common interest. From craft classes to knitting, all the recreational facilities are designed for people of a certain age. Your fellow residents have passed a significant amount of their lives. So you will always have something to talk about, and most importantly, they are most likely to think the way you think.Sense of Community:
It is one of the significant benefits senior cohousing provides. Scope of socializing increases peace of mind. It also increases longevity. Interaction with the community will minimize depression and loneliness. You will not feel bored or left out.Independence:
This is the primary benefit to a lot of elders. Growing old with your pride is precious. No matter what, people do not want to compromise independence. Senior cohousing communities will give you the freedom you desire.
Can My Son Live with Me in a 55+ Community?
Well, occasionally, yes. But on a full-time basis, no (If the son is less than 40 years old). But it totally depends on the guidelines of the community you will be living in. So, double-check the rules of the community you are choosing.
Adult children 18 years or older may be allowed, as long as one of the residents is 55 years or older. However, it is rare to find a senior cohousing community that allows young children to live full-time.
Most of the age-restricted communities generally have two rules,
• Each household must have a resident who is 55 years or older.
• The other members of the house, such as spouse, partner, or child, must meet the minimum age. Which is usually 40-45 years.
But it doesn't mean that your grandchildren or guests younger than the minimum age won't be able to meet you. Most communities allow guests of any age to live for 15days two times each year.
Is Cohousing Expensive?
Cohousing is an economical way to live. However, it can be more expensive than new condos or townhomes. But senior cohousing is less costly than assisted living. Even some state-subsidized communities can cost less than $500 per month.
Cohousing is designed not only to minimize the total cost of household maintenance but also to lower the cost of entry. The cost of cohousing will usually depend on
- Amenities
- Housing facilities
- Geographical location
- Entrance & monthly fees
- Housing, utilities, and other services
- Medical and other benefits
How many Cohousing Communities are there in the U.S.?
There are more than 292 cohousing communities in the U.S.
Senior cohousing or international communities for seniors are rapidly gaining popularity across the globe.
What is a Communal Living Arrangement?
Communal living simply means a small local community where all residents pursue common interests or values and usually share responsibilities.
Communal living arrangements are also known as communist societies. It is more like a utopia., and the residents share the same goals and ideals. It has a shared space that is accessible to all, and residents live in separate homes.
Wrap Up
Senior cohousing can be a meaningful way to build social connections and an ideal home for you. The decision is yours to take.