Social Support Exchange in Shared Living Arrangements with Older Adults-Exploring the Benefits of Intergenerational Living for Older Adults

This qualitative study explores the social support experiences of older adults residing in co-housing projects in Belgium. Co-housing involves individual private homes sharing common spaces and resources. Respondents were recruited through an online search of existing co-housing projects in the region, and the final sample included residents from four different projects, with a mix of inter-generational and senior-only projects. Results indicate that co-housing provides a strong sense of community and support for older adults, reducing feelings of isolation and increasing connectedness with others. Residents also reported a balance of both community and privacy in their living arrangements. However, challenges related to decision-making and decreased contact with family were identified. These findings highlight the potential benefits of co-housing for older adults and underscore the need for further research in this area.