The appeal of communal living is becoming more widespread, with seniors now having the unique opportunity of joining a senior cohousing community. Here, those of a similar age and shared interests can come together to share meals, activities, and common spaces.
Senior cohousing is a great option if you're an older adult looking for a new way to experience the advantages of living in a community. From the 160+ existing communities in 25 states to the 130+ still in development, it's easy to see cohousing is becoming increasingly popular. Retirement communities no longer have to be the only option for seniors – senior cohousing provides another choice.
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Curious about why senior cohousing is increasing in popularity? There are plenty of reasons why this living arrangement is so attractive to adults aged 50 and above. Let's take a look at the benefits of senior cohousing.
What is Senior Cohousing?
Live in a community with other seniors aged 50 and above! Senior cohousing offers a unique living experience where individuals have their own homes or apartments and access to shared outdoor spaces such as lawns and walkways. Common areas like kitchens, dining rooms, and living rooms are also shared in some senior cohousing communities.
Put simply; senior cohousing is a type of living that combines the autonomy of independent living with the shared benefits of communal spaces.
Living in a senior cohousing community allows seniors to create a unique, supportive community with like-minded peers. They can come together to share activities, resources, and experiences, such as watching television together, going on joint outings, preparing meals, and even gardening as a team. By doing so, seniors can form strong bonds and foster a sense of community.
Senior cohousing offers a unique retirement experience compared to other living options. It's an ideal residence for active seniors willing to contribute to the community and share resources with their neighbors⁴. Cohousing offers a combination of independence and companionship that other retirement communities can't provide.
A senior cohousing community may not be the best option for adults with illness or limited mobility. Unlike an assisted living facility, cohousing does not provide medical help, surveillance, or 24-hour care. Individuals living in this environment must be able to care for themselves without assistance.
Senior Cohousing Offers Plenty of Benefits
As more and more seniors explore their options and decide that traditional living arrangements aren't for them, they are turning to cohousing as a viable alternative. But what makes cohousing such an attractive option? The answer is simple: senior cohousing offers numerous advantages over other living options for adults over 50.
Discover the multitude of advantages that come with senior cohousing! These are just a few remarkable benefits you'll experience, from incredible social connections to a sense of autonomy.
Reduced Loneliness
Time reports that one in three seniors is struggling with loneliness - with nearly 30 percent of them reporting feelings of isolation and aloneness⁵. Unfortunately, as adults age, they may find themselves stuck at home without the opportunity to socialize with family and friends.
Loneliness and isolation can be a real challenge for seniors, but living in a senior cohousing community helps to combat this. Residents come together in common spaces like gardens, recreational areas, and even kitchens. Not only that, but there are also plenty of community events like potluck dinners, group outings, and parties where seniors can connect with one another.
Activities Can Benefit Seniors’ Health
Senior cohousing can help older adults come together, enabling them to enjoy a more active lifestyle as they age. It can also be hugely beneficial to their mental and physical well-being.
A cohousing community can offer seniors many exciting opportunities to stay active and socially connected. From shared dining rooms, fitness facilities, and even pools or parks, seniors can take advantage of the amenities to engage in physical activity that has been shown to slow down mental decline⁶. Studies have also found that regular activity can bring seniors various benefits, such as increased blood flow, improved mental health, and a boost to their brain functioning.
Safety and Security
When seniors reside in a cohousing community, they reap the rewards of enhanced safety and security. The members of each cohousing community keep a vigilant eye on each other's homes when members are away, look after their furry friends, and look out for those who need a little extra attention.
Seniors living in cohousing can benefit from the added safety and security of having neighbors look out for them. As Senior Advice points out, those with mobility, memory or other health concerns can gain faster access to help as their neighbors actively advocate for them⁷. Those living alone may not have anyone to check in on them, but seniors in cohousing can rely on the support of their community. This brings a greater sense of peace and security as they get older.
Cohousing is an Affordable Option
Seniors can reap many rewards from senior cohousing, from improved social life and health to increased personal satisfaction. But perhaps the best benefit is its affordability - perfect for those living off a fixed income.
Senior cohousing can offer an amazing opportunity for older adults to save money, stretch their retirement savings, and gain access to various benefits. With housing expenses often making up a large portion of a senior's budget, living in a cohousing community could be a great way to reduce costs while still enjoying a vibrant and connected lifestyle.
Seniors could save huge amounts of money by choosing cohousing! Senior Advice reports that a senior could save up to $70,000 compared to other popular senior living options. Additionally, subsidized cohousing may be available in certain states for as little as $500 – so the savings could be even greater!
Cohousing is a great option for seniors, providing a way to pool and share resources. From taking turns with lawn care costs, splitting up food and grocery costs, sharing energy and other utility bills, and even maintenance expenses, cohousing can be a great way to save money. Check into the costs in your area and see if it's something that could work for you!
How to Start Looking for Senior Cohousing
As senior cohousing continues to surge in popularity, more and more people will be looking to take advantage of this unique living opportunity. To ensure you don't miss out and get the best deal, it's a great idea to start researching cohousing now. Begin your search as soon as possible to find the perfect community for you and your budget.
Begin your search for the perfect senior cohousing community online. Consider cost, amenities, access to healthcare and other services, and the community atmosphere. Review how resources and spaces are shared among residents. Likewise, look into what the community hosts activities and events.
Compare various options to get the most out of your search for the perfect senior cohousing community. Think about what matters most to you - budget, interests, and your individual needs - and then find a community that will offer you independence, flexibility, and the opportunity to connect with others while also giving you the privacy you desire. Taking the time to assess and compare your options will ensure that you find the perfect fit.