The senior housing market continues to boom in the United States. People are living longer, and at some point, all of us will have to make a decision about the circumstances surrounding where and how we will spend our golden years.
While most will desire independence and an opportunity to live in their own home, condo, townhouse or apartment, that might not be the best option for those who need extra care or attention. There is a popular alternative becoming more common across the country, and it’s called “cohousing.”
Cohousing is a collaborative community designed, built and managed by its members, and there are nearly 300 throughout the U.S. that are either currently operating or in some stage of formation. That number continues to grow as more and more people see it as a viable living option as they age.
So what exactly is cohousing? According to cohousing.org , it’s a community designed to foster connection. Physical spaces allow neighbors within the community to easily interact with each other just outside of their private homes. Common areas for interaction are plentiful and include kitchen, dining space and gardens designed to bring people together.
Collaborative decision-making, security, community support and environmentalism are all part of the cohousing lifestyle. Neighbors rely on each other more than in your typical neighborhood, and benefit from the experience in many ways.
Cohousing is not a new concept, having originated in Denmark in the 1960s before being brought to the U.S. in the early 1980s. Size varies by community, with some featuring detached structures with multiple common areas and others opting for adjoining structures.
Mutual living situations such as cohousing communities might not be for everyone, but they are an interesting alternative for those who want to maintain independence and age gracefully.