Young, Old, and Together: The Rise of Intergenerational Living Communities

Florida, USA - In a notable twist on traditional senior living, the TikToker “lizwizdom” has been turning heads with her experience in a Florida retirement community designed for folks aged 55 and older. After losing her full-time job in 2021, Liz moved in with her parents, who already resided in the retirement home. As the only resident under 55, she found herself amid a vibrant community of retired neighbors, appreciating the warmth and camaraderie that developed among her older residents, as reported by 20 Minuten. This unique living arrangement has sparked conversations about the benefits of intergenerational living, especially in a time where such communities are gaining traction.

A look at broader trends reveals that Liz’s situation reflects a significant change in how we approach living arrangements in the U.S. Over the past decade, the number of adults residing in multigenerational households has nearly quadrupled. According to Seniorsite, one in four Americans now find themselves living in these shared spaces, a trend largely driven by soaring housing costs and shifting demographic patterns. Already, 27% of adults aged 60 and older live alone, demonstrating a pressing need for innovative housing solutions.

Why Intergenerational Living is the Future

With older Americans projected to outnumber children under 18 by 2034, the crisis is only expected to deepen. Intergenerational living not only strengthens familial bonds but also enhances mental well-being and lowers mortality rates among seniors. Communities that promote intergenerational interaction have seen immense benefits, including cost-sharing for housing and reductions in isolation, as indicated by research highlighted in Seniorsite. In fact, they help create a balancing act of shared and private spaces, essential for a healthy community dynamic.

The pandemic has further highlighted the importance of these living arrangements. As noted by Senior Housing News, Covid-19 showcased families banding together, with younger members supporting older relatives with technology and essential services. This experience has reaffirmed the need for intergenerational properties, which focus on interaction among different age groups. There are now over 200 intergenerational sites across the U.S., with developers eager to explore more such opportunities.

Innovative Models Across the U.S.

Examples of thriving intergenerational communities can be found in initiatives like Bridge Meadows in Portland, Oregon, which pairs affordable housing for seniors with foster youth. Meanwhile, Pemberton Park in Kansas City, Missouri, specifically caters to grandparents raising grandchildren, featuring multi-bedroom apartments and diverse programs. Such innovative models exemplify how intergenerational living can enhance the quality of life—and according to developers, the financial benefits are promising, too.

Based on past trends, the percentage of multigenerational households jumped from 7% in 2010 to 26% in 2020, spurred largely by the pandemic. A survey even indicated that 60% of families transitioned to living together during this period, with many expressing interest in maintaining these arrangements in the future, as discussed by Senior Housing News. It’s clear that intergenerational living is not just a trend; it is an evolving solution to multiple challenges facing families today.

As communities like the one Liz has experienced redefine the concept of home, they offer not just shelter but also the richness of shared experiences and interactions across generations. As we look to the future, there’s a good chance that these intergenerational models will continue to flourish, shaping how we think about housing in a rapidly changing world.