Retirement populations are changing—and so are retirement communities. Consumer demand, economics, demographics and land use are all driving the need for homes that accommodate older adults who want a higher quality of life.
Because unlike the stereotypes of yore, today’s active generation boast better health, rising life expectancy, and fulfilling days. They want to remain connected to the world so they can share a lifetime’s worth of knowledge, wisdom, skills, and experience with the younger generation.
As such, they demand a new housing model. A recent report by Senior Housing News outlined how we are living in a time where there is a new opportunity for intergenerational housing. Here are some highlights from the report.
What is Intergenerational Housing?
Also called “multigenerational living,” the concept of “intergenerational housing” brings together different age groups so they can interact freely and conveniently. It solves many kinds of housing issues by using methods ranging from master-planned communities that contain neighbourhoods based on age to mixed-use apartment communities that include daycare or a preschool as well as homes for older adults.
Three popular intergeneration arrangements geared towards older adults include mixed-use senior living with a preschool or daycare. There are also family households with multiple adult generations living under one roof and all-age communities that include older adults.
Communities around the globe are exploring different intergenerational housing methods. In Boston, the homesharing company Nesterly is bringing together graduate students with empty-nest older adults in a homeshare pilot program. It’s estimated that Nesterly could allow young adults to save $24,000 per year.
There are 6 trends changing intergenerational senior living outlined in the report. These include:
And so, opening in 2019 will be Opal’s first intergenerational community, which integrates residents of different age groups into the same building or suite. This impresses as just the first of three such communities. Younger family members, such as grandkids, are welcome.
For more information about Element by Opal, visit http://opal.elementlifestyleretirement.com/