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Senior housing facilities around the globe are opening their doors to students. The creative solution cuts housing costs for young adults while providing nourishing services for the elderly. Such programs are gaining popularity in the United States.
The unlikely pairing comes with an impressive array of benefits for seniors. A study published by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) reveals that changes in social behaviors can prevent or decrease Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of cognitive decline. Seniors can enjoy these improvements without the use of medications or supplements.
NIA also reports that intergenerational living can help seniors lower their blood pressure and fend off corresponding illnesses. Researchers cite a strong correlation between loneliness and elevated systolic blood pressure.
The same report acknowledges that intergenerational social activities minimize age-related disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and even some forms of cancer.
Students also benefit from their involvement in senior care. Many of the programs offer free or discounted rents that reduce student loan debt. In the US alone, student debt exceeds $1.3 trillion according to Forbes.
The partnership also contributes to a stronger workforce: young adults can focus on their education, productive internships, and innovative projects instead of working multiple minimum wage jobs to pay rent.
One of the earliest intergenerational living programs started in the Netherlands. Humanitas in Deventer hosted five students rent-free in exchange for 30 hours of “good neighbor” service. Activities can include spending time with their elderly neighbors, watching sports and movies together, shopping, and celebrating special occasions. Students also supplement the efforts of professional caregivers when seniors fall ill:
Humanitas head Gea Sijpkes reports that companionship during illness minimizes feelings of disconnectedness. It can be challenging when residents’ only interaction comes from caregivers who remind them of their failing health.
The success of foreign programs has ignited local interest. In the US, five students from the Cleveland Institute of Music reside at Judson Manor senior community. Student are not required to pay rent. Their contribution comes in the form of solo recitals and concerts every few months.
The Judson Manor program will expand in 2017 to include three additional institutions.
Developing research suggests that seniors desire to live near universities where they can enjoy academic and cultural programming. Agreements between universities and senior facilities provide the later with access to libraries, fitness centers, continuing education resources, museums and more.
One of the most recent additions to the trend is New York University. New York is known for its high rent rates. Through the new program, 10 students will cut housing costs from $14,000 to less than $7,000 by renting rooms in the homes of seniors. Senior citizens get supplemental income as well as some of the benefits of intergenerational living.
Currently, there are about a dozen universities participating in intergenerational living programs. Their success and notable benefits for both parties elevate the programs beyond trend status. We can expect to see more programs spring up in college towns and cities throughout the nation.
