Co-housing for seniors

Posted on 29 Jan 2021
Updated on 29 Jan 2021
2-minute read

As Australia's housing market continues to rise, co-housing offers older people a solution to insecurity while allowing them a mixture of independence and communal living.

RESEARCH OUTPUTS

Two senior friends helping each other in the garden

Housing the ageing population of NSW in homes that are affordable, accessible and stable presents a major challenge for the state, particularly in a time of rising housing costs. New models are needed to address social isolation, tenure insecurity, care costs and seniors’ aspirations to age in place.

Co-housing may be one such model. Co-housing, or co-living, arrangements aim to mix private and shared spaces in a way that meets the need for both privacy and a sense of community and support. With an emphasis on social interaction, environmental sustainability and accessible design, co-housing may provide an attractive housing alternative for seniors. But how do we make it happen in NSW?

A 12-month research project conducted by ISF and funded by a NSW Department of Family and Community Services Liveable Communities Grant and the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage examined the opportunities presented by co-housing for seniors in NSW, the existing barriers to uptake, and ideas for overcoming these barriers.

Co-housing for seniors - What is co-housing? (Fact sheet)

Co-housing for seniors - Three models (Fact sheet)

Co-housing for seniors - Sustainability (Fact sheet)

Co-housing for seniors (Report)

Co-housing for seniors (2017) (Literature review)

Workshop notes: priority actions to facilitate co-housing for seniors

MEDIA

Co-housing works well for older people, once they get past the image problem - The Conversation, 23 June 2017

Co-housing oldies - ABC Radio National, Life Matters, 7 July 2017