Saturday, January 4, 2020

Housing Solutions for Social Isolation.


The idea for this workshop came from "Tech-enhanced life" and I have talked of this before in earlier posts, but I think it is still relevant as we move into a year of perfect vision.

Some exceptional opportunities in housing can help fight isolation and loneliness among seniors.  Particularly as grow older, housing options affect our physical and our mental wellbeing.

Some of the options being explored in some jurisdictions may have hope for those who are on their own. Some of these are:

All-age residential hotels.  The idea of ‘all-age’ living facilities, compared to more age-segregated communities is a good idea for seniors.  More specifically, there is an atmosphere of more powerful energy, as well as the increased opportunities to connect with different ages and learn new things than in a segregated community.    

Accessory unit rentals.  As our family situations change, because of age, our current house could become too big us.  Accessory units (or ‘granny units’) on the property can be rented out, or maybe separate living quarters can be made of current house space.  Housing rental could also be exchanged for home maintenance, help, and companionship.  Graduate students would be good candidates for this option. This would require cities to approve zoning changes and there might have to be some screening set up to protect seniors, but it might work and keep people in their homes longer.

Co-housing.  is where residents (old and young) share living facilities.  The benefits for older adults are shared help, companionship and contact with younger generations.  However, such facilities are few in a number of areas, and efforts need to be made to ensure residents are harmonious with each other.

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