For those living in high-cost metropolitan and suburban areas like Northern New Jersey, staying in a single family house after retirement may prove challenging.
Cohousing is a housing model in which everyone gets their own private home (often a tiny house), while sharing kitchens and other common spaces with others in a small community. Neighbors often make communal meals, and plan group activities together.
The concept could be an ideal solution for seniors who don’t want to give up their privacy but would like to be part of a small community. Many communities are designed with a caretaker unit, so someone who is able to take care of the residents can live as part of the group. Although other times the members provide each other with support.
Research has shown that people live longer, when they are socially engaged. Co-housing is just one way to combat the isolation that many older adults can face.
