Are Seniors Missing Out? Discover the Surprising Benefits of Cohousing for a Better Life
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Imagine a life where your neighbours aren’t just people you wave to as you collect the mail, but friends who pop by for a cuppa, help you out when you’re under the weather, and share in the joys (and sometimes the challenges) of daily life. For a growing number of seniors, this isn’t just a dream—it’s the reality of cohousing, a living arrangement that’s quietly revolutionising the way we age.
What is Cohousing, Anyway?
Cohousing isn’t a commune, a cult, or a retirement village with bingo at 2 pm (unless you want it to be!). Instead, it’s a thoughtfully designed neighbourhood of private homes clustered around shared spaces—think gardens, kitchens, and community rooms—where residents actively participate in the life of the community. While most cohousing communities are multigenerational, a rising number are designed specifically for seniors, offering a unique blend of independence and connection.
Take Angela Maddamma, 72, who recently swapped her suburban home of 20 years for a new adventure at ElderSpirit, a senior cohousing community. She describes it as 'your average 55 and older community, where you’re living independently,' but with a twist: a shared commitment to mutual support, environmental care, and a sense of spiritual curiosity. On her first night, neighbours greeted her with dinner and a warm welcome—no awkward introductions required.
Let’s face it: ageing in place can be lonely, especially if family is far away or friends have moved on. Retirement homes, while providing care, can sometimes feel institutional and impersonal, with rigid schedules and little say in how you spend your day. Cohousing offers a 'vastly superior way to live,' as Angela puts it, by blending privacy with the kind of spontaneous, meaningful social interaction that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Margaret Critchlow, 78, was inspired to start her own cohousing project after realising she didn’t want to spend her later years in a traditional care facility. She and a group of like-minded friends created Harbourside Cohousing in Canada—a village-like community where decisions are made by consensus, and support is mutual but never intrusive. Residents enjoy their own homes but also share gardens, a wharf, and a gazebo for gatherings.
The Danish Example: A Model for the World
If you think cohousing sounds a bit radical, consider Denmark, where the concept has been thriving since the 1960s. Thanks to supportive government policies and a culture that values community, tens of thousands of Danes—many of them seniors—have chosen cohousing over traditional housing or care facilities. In fact, a recent survey found that 80,000 Danish seniors plan to move into cohousing in the next five years, making it the most popular option for older adults.
Addressing Common Concerns
'But what if I don’t get along with everyone?' you might ask. Charles Durrett, a pioneer of American cohousing, admits that not every neighbour will become your best mate. But in a well-designed community, you’re likely to find a handful of close friends living just next door. And unlike a retirement home, you have a say in how things are run—no more being told when to eat or what activities to join.
It’s also important to note that cohousing isn’t a substitute for medical care. If a resident develops a condition requiring full-time support, they may need to move to a facility. But for the vast majority of life’s ups and downs, neighbours can provide a helping hand, a listening ear, or a lift to the shops.
A Solution to the Eldercare Crisis?
With Australia’s population ageing rapidly and the cost of care rising, cohousing could be part of the answer to the looming eldercare crisis. Dr Anne P Glass, a retired gerontologist, points out that seniors themselves are an untapped resource, capable of supporting each other in ways that formal care systems often overlook. As care homes struggle with staff shortages and rising costs, communities where older adults look out for one another could become increasingly vital.
Making Cohousing Accessible for All
One challenge is making cohousing affordable and inclusive. Some communities, like ElderSpirit, use progressive ownership models and set aside homes for lower-income residents. Others partner with non-profits to keep land costs down. There’s also a growing push to ensure that cohousing communities reflect the diversity of the wider population, so everyone can benefit from this way of living.
Living—and Dying—Among Friends
Perhaps the most profound benefit of cohousing is the sense of belonging it offers. Many older adults fear dying alone, unnoticed by neighbours or friends. In a cohousing community, you’re surrounded by people who care. At Harbourside, when a resident chose to end her life through medically assisted dying, her community gathered to say goodbye, sharing memories and love until the very end. It was, as one resident put it, 'joyful'—a testament to the power of community.
Could Cohousing Work in Australia?
While cohousing is still relatively new here, interest is growing. With our strong tradition of mateship and community spirit, it’s not hard to imagine more Aussies embracing this way of living. Whether you’re looking for more social connection, a sense of purpose, or simply a better way to age, cohousing could be worth considering.
Have you ever thought about living in a cohousing community? Do you know someone who has? What would your ideal community look like? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences—share your stories in the comments below!
Read more: How the NT's housing crisis is forcing sick and elderly people into a cycle of homelessness
What is Cohousing, Anyway?
Cohousing isn’t a commune, a cult, or a retirement village with bingo at 2 pm (unless you want it to be!). Instead, it’s a thoughtfully designed neighbourhood of private homes clustered around shared spaces—think gardens, kitchens, and community rooms—where residents actively participate in the life of the community. While most cohousing communities are multigenerational, a rising number are designed specifically for seniors, offering a unique blend of independence and connection.
Senior cohousing gives older Australians a supportive community with shared spaces while living independently. Credit: Depositphotos
Take Angela Maddamma, 72, who recently swapped her suburban home of 20 years for a new adventure at ElderSpirit, a senior cohousing community. She describes it as 'your average 55 and older community, where you’re living independently,' but with a twist: a shared commitment to mutual support, environmental care, and a sense of spiritual curiosity. On her first night, neighbours greeted her with dinner and a warm welcome—no awkward introductions required.
Why Are More Seniors Choosing Cohousing?
Let’s face it: ageing in place can be lonely, especially if family is far away or friends have moved on. Retirement homes, while providing care, can sometimes feel institutional and impersonal, with rigid schedules and little say in how you spend your day. Cohousing offers a 'vastly superior way to live,' as Angela puts it, by blending privacy with the kind of spontaneous, meaningful social interaction that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Margaret Critchlow, 78, was inspired to start her own cohousing project after realising she didn’t want to spend her later years in a traditional care facility. She and a group of like-minded friends created Harbourside Cohousing in Canada—a village-like community where decisions are made by consensus, and support is mutual but never intrusive. Residents enjoy their own homes but also share gardens, a wharf, and a gazebo for gatherings.
If you think cohousing sounds a bit radical, consider Denmark, where the concept has been thriving since the 1960s. Thanks to supportive government policies and a culture that values community, tens of thousands of Danes—many of them seniors—have chosen cohousing over traditional housing or care facilities. In fact, a recent survey found that 80,000 Danish seniors plan to move into cohousing in the next five years, making it the most popular option for older adults.
Addressing Common Concerns
'But what if I don’t get along with everyone?' you might ask. Charles Durrett, a pioneer of American cohousing, admits that not every neighbour will become your best mate. But in a well-designed community, you’re likely to find a handful of close friends living just next door. And unlike a retirement home, you have a say in how things are run—no more being told when to eat or what activities to join.
It’s also important to note that cohousing isn’t a substitute for medical care. If a resident develops a condition requiring full-time support, they may need to move to a facility. But for the vast majority of life’s ups and downs, neighbours can provide a helping hand, a listening ear, or a lift to the shops.
A Solution to the Eldercare Crisis?
With Australia’s population ageing rapidly and the cost of care rising, cohousing could be part of the answer to the looming eldercare crisis. Dr Anne P Glass, a retired gerontologist, points out that seniors themselves are an untapped resource, capable of supporting each other in ways that formal care systems often overlook. As care homes struggle with staff shortages and rising costs, communities where older adults look out for one another could become increasingly vital.
Making Cohousing Accessible for All
One challenge is making cohousing affordable and inclusive. Some communities, like ElderSpirit, use progressive ownership models and set aside homes for lower-income residents. Others partner with non-profits to keep land costs down. There’s also a growing push to ensure that cohousing communities reflect the diversity of the wider population, so everyone can benefit from this way of living.
Living—and Dying—Among Friends
Perhaps the most profound benefit of cohousing is the sense of belonging it offers. Many older adults fear dying alone, unnoticed by neighbours or friends. In a cohousing community, you’re surrounded by people who care. At Harbourside, when a resident chose to end her life through medically assisted dying, her community gathered to say goodbye, sharing memories and love until the very end. It was, as one resident put it, 'joyful'—a testament to the power of community.
Could Cohousing Work in Australia?
While cohousing is still relatively new here, interest is growing. With our strong tradition of mateship and community spirit, it’s not hard to imagine more Aussies embracing this way of living. Whether you’re looking for more social connection, a sense of purpose, or simply a better way to age, cohousing could be worth considering.
Read more: How the NT's housing crisis is forcing sick and elderly people into a cycle of homelessness
