Win-Win Housing Across Generations

Source: steinhardt.nyu.edu

In Finland, Netherland, and some parts of Europe, elderly are living in a dorm-like housing with college students. While unique, the living arrangement benefits both generations. There are great health benefits for the elderly from having social interactions with younger generations include fighting dementia and regulating blood pressure. As reported by the National Institute on Aging, “positive indicators of social well-being may be associated with lower levels of interleukin-6 in otherwise healthy people. Interleukin-6 is an inflammatory factor implicated in age-related disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and some forms of cancer." All in all, the elderly are happier, safer, and healthier living with college students. As for the students, they live rent-free in exchange for 30 hours of "being a good neighbor" per month. Students and elderly participate in activities such as baking, birthday party, grocery shopping, and everyday chitchat.

Fortunately, intergenerational programs are catching on all over the world. In America, universities in Cleveland, New York, and San Diego are starting to offer intergenerational housing to its students. The idea of college students sharing a living space with seniors may sound a bit unusual. However, the power of these programs rests in the definite positive energy that fills the building where young and old share their lives, skills, and experiences with each other. As said by Tom Knickerbocker, Executive Vice President of Ameritech Financial, "these shared arrangements confront ageism, provide a barrier against isolation and create long-lasting and life-changing intergenerational bonds."

Sources:

Ameritech. (2018, June 22). Intergenerational Housing for Students and the Elderly a Win-Win, Says Ameritech Financial. Retrieved from https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/intergenerational-housing-for-students-and-the-elderly-a-win-win-says-ameritech-financial-300670640.html

Bowden, M. (2017, November 13). Retirement Communities With University Ties. Retrieved from https://www.bankrate.com/finance/retirement/retirement-communities-university-ties-1.aspx#slide=1

Hansman, H. (2015, October 16). College Students are Living Rent-Free in a Cleveland Retirement Home. Retrieved from https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/college-students-are-living-rent-free-in-cleveland-retirement-home-180956930/