11–15 of 15 posts
Sharing a fixed quantity of floorspace with more roommates isn't "easing a housing crunch", it's just accepting less floorspace, something we all do with commodities like floorspace. What would actually ease a housing crunch would be more floorspace, so that floorspace owners had less pricing power.
Sharing a fixed quantity of floorspace with more roommates isn't "easing a housing crunch", it's just accepting less floorspace, something we all do with commodities like floorspace. What would actually ease a housing crunch would be more floorspace, so that floorspace owners had less pricing power.
First, 55 is not elderly. I know the author did not say it is, but the next sentence prompted an audible "Oh, hells no" from me!
Second, people I know do a terrible job planning for their future re: aging. They overestimate their energy and health at X age. For example, they have no idea of how health can quickly spiral and make everything else more of a challenge. They have no idea about what kinds of supports and services they will need. And while companionship is important, relying on non-family for some or many challenges associated with getting older is foolish, unsustainable, fill-in-the-blank.
I've long wondered whether cohousing as described in the article along with a smidge of old-time settlement houses would be more beneficial to residents, particularly older ones. In my head, I've thought that returning to on-site staff along with professional visitors (health, etc.) would make the sweet spot.
In the US at least, we need to do more and do better regarding housing, community support (neighbors, not services), and addressing those who may need more help than others (older, chronically ill, etc.). Cohousing may be part of the solution.
> One group particularly well-suited to cohousing is the elderly. A 2022 survey of Zurich residents over the age of 55 found that 80% would like to live in a multigenerational household and half were interested in cohousing, which offers companionship and a supportive community without a move into a retirement home. First, 55 is not elderly. I know the author did not say it is, but the next sentence prompted an audib…
They should ask their children about that.
> One group particularly well-suited to cohousing is the elderly. A 2022 survey of Zurich residents over the age of 55 found that 80% would like to live in a multigenerational household and half were interested in cohousing, which offers companionship and a supportive community without a move into a retirement home. First, 55 is not elderly. I know the author did not say it is, but the next sentence prompted an audib…