Senior cohousing in Canada
An idea whose time has come
In 2016, for the first time, Canada’s population of seniors aged 65+ exceeded that of children under 15. This senior population is expected to grow, making suitable and affordable housing options that will allow individuals to “age in place” – to live comfortably and safely in their own community for as long as they wish – a critical need. But as housing prices soar in urban and suburban centres, many seniors are either left with “too much house” and not enough support, or confined to either traditional retirement residences that can be expensive and include unnecessary services and amenities or long-term care facilities that limit independence.
That’s where seniors co-housing comes in, offering independence, a sense of community and tailored amenities, while keeping housing costs affordable and care services accessible.
Seniors co-housing initiatives in Canada are taking a range of forms: in Ontario, long-time friends are banding together to purchase shared homes, while in Oakland, a non-profit housing provider is creating affordable developments tailored to the needs of older residents.
This article from Canada’s National Institute on Aging explores some inspiring examples of seniors co-housing, plus some thoughts on barriers and opportunities for Canadian seniors.