Intergenerational senior living is becoming more popular, offering opportunities for connection and a sense of belonging that many communities no longer provide. Unlike a conventional senior living community, intergenerational retirement communities allow residents to participate in gardening, educational programs, and other activities alongside their peers and younger generations. These communities emphasize the health and well-being of senior adults while facilitating rich and meaningful experiences for younger adults and children.
At Baptist Retirement Community, we understand that the needs of seniors are as unique as each individual. While some may thrive living among multiple generations, others may prefer living among other seniors. Our luxury senior living community is ideal for active seniors and those needing extra care and attention during the day. If you think a luxury retirement community might best accommodate your needs, call 325.313.7931 today to schedule a tour.
What Are Intergenerational Senior Living Communities?
Intergenerational communities consist of individuals from different age groups living alongside one another. You may think of these types of communities when you hear the phrase “fostering a sense of community,” where people look out for their neighbors and help one another out in their times of need.
Unfortunately, in today’s increasingly digital age, many communities are moving away from this model, with plenty of people not even knowing who their neighbors are, much less looking out for them. But where does this leave seniors, who often need more assistance, especially if they do not have loved ones nearby who can check in with them regularly?
For many retirees, senior living communities offer the ideal blend of connection, care, and safety. But these are not the only options. Intergenerational living, or more specifically, intergenerational retirement communities, helps cultivate the fading yet sought-after sense of community that so many people, especially older adults, desire (and need to thrive).
Intergenerational living can take several forms, such as:
Multigenerational Households
Multigenerational households may consist of grandparents or other extended family living with their adult children and grandchildren. This type of intergenerational living used to be quite common and still is among certain cultures.
Cohousing
Cohousing refers to living in a neighborhood where each family has their own home, but all community members share certain indoor and outdoor spaces and may even share responsibility for community gardens and meals. Although not a new concept—these communities have been in Denmark since the late 1960s—cohousing is a little harder to come by in the United States.
Shared Housing
Shared housing is similar to having roommates. With today’s high housing costs, many people are opting to purchase or rent homes with others, not necessarily family members, and split the expenses.
The Advantages of Intergenerational Retirement Communities
Living in an intergenerational community can improve seniors’ mental health, which is a concern in communities that do not focus on bridging the gap between generations. There are many benefits of living in an intergenerational retirement community, including:
- Longer life spans
- Improved mental health
- Community engagement
- Reduced cost of living
- Reduces the risk of loneliness and depression
- Promotes stronger bonds between seniors and grandchildren
The rise of intergenerational senior living communities partly coincides with the desire to provide companionship and care for aging parents while raising younger children. This can build stronger bonds between seniors and grandchildren and be very beneficial to slowing down common age-related decline. It can also ease living expenses, reduce the need for daycare, and lower the risk of isolation and loneliness.
Call Baptist Retirement Community to Tour Our Senior Living Community
Intergenerational senior living communities are an excellent option for many older adults, but it is important to consider your personal needs and preferences. If you are interested in independent and assisted living programs where seniors can participate in a number of social events and activities with their peers, you will want to make Baptist Retirement Community your new home. We have a full-time activities director who plans daily and weekly events, group outings, and other fun social activities so you can enjoy your retirement to the fullest.
To learn more about our luxury retirement community, call 325.313.7931 today or fill out our online form to schedule a tour and consultation.