Cohousing offers the best of both worlds. You have your own home and outside space to enjoy privacy and independence; and you share facilities such as a common house and garden for communal activities, to enjoy the company of others and be part of a supportive community.
Cohousing has particular benefits for senior residents: opportunities to be active, companionship with autonomy, a sense of belonging, and cheaper living through sharing costs and mutual support.
We see cohousing as a great way to live as we grow older. Living in a mutually supportive community provides a solution to the isolation older people can experience. Building trust is a cornerstone of this way of life. You may have stronger friendships with some people than others but you can count on everyone’s support when you need it.
We envisage friendships developing naturally among us as we share responsibilities, common interests and the things that are important to us. We would like our home to be a place where we can be ourselves and are accepting of each other, and where we look out for each other.
Cohousing for older people is common in Denmark, the Netherlands, the US and Canada. It is incorporated as an option in the national housing policies of Denmark and the Netherlands. You can find out more about cohousing on the UK Cohousing Network’s website.
Still Green Cohousing 