Loneliness and depression are common problems for seniors.
Some of the underlying reasons can be the loss of a spouse or life partner, moving from a familiar home to a care facility, or less contact with friends and family.
For some, the thought of having to spend their golden years in a retirement community can be worrisome. But what if there was a different way?
Senior cohousing is a relatively new concept, but it holds the potential for providing what seniors need most. Here’s how its social support may help with depression and loneliness.
What Is Senior Cohousing?
The essence of senior cohousing is creating a community of like-minded people who have common goals and values. These people choose to live together in a way that is mutually supportive of one another.
In practice, this may look like people—either individuals, couples, or both—living in townhouses or detached homes. There are often shared living spaces, such as gardens, a kitchen, common rooms, and other amenities.
These communities are usually self-governed.
An Emphasis on Community and Relationships
As mentioned above, community and relationships are very important when it comes to senior cohousing. Residents plan their own activities, either alone or as a group. For instance, someone might work on their garden while others get together in a common room for a book club.
Shared meals and other activities help keep the residents engaged and connected. And if someone is struggling, such as feeling ill, other residents might help out. This could be bringing a meal or doing some chores.
Note this type of community living is different than a more traditional nursing home, with 24-7 medical care. Rather, these are the things that neighbors in any community would do to help one another out.
Balancing Privacy with Social Engagement
One interesting thing about these communities is that members still have their privacy. Everyone lives in their own separate space, such as a detached home or townhouse.
This means that you don’t have to be a social butterfly to belong to a senior cohousing group. When you need your privacy, you can retreat to your home. At the same time, you still have the benefit of the community when you step outside.
It’s the best of both worlds!
Fighting Depression and Loneliness Through Cohousing
We know that one of the best ways to either prevent or treat depression is by having a strong support system. People need to feel belonging and acceptance. It’s why so many (even introverts!) join clubs, sports teams, art collectives, and all other types of groups. We all want to be accepted for who we are.
Note, though, this doesn’t have to just come from groups. Interpersonal acceptance is also important. For instance, feeling connected to a life partner or having a best friend. These types of intimate, one-on-one relationships are just as important as social relationships.
The great thing about senior cohousing is that both of these types of relationships can exist at the same time. In the morning, you might get together with a friend for coffee and to chat. Then, it’s a communal lunch over in the kitchen area. And finally, it’s off for a bike ride with your riding partner in the afternoon.
Having strong interpersonal relationships and belonging to a community of like-minded people is at the heart of how social support fights depression and loneliness. You don’t just need one type of support—you need many layers of varied types of relationships.
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Senior cohousing is an exciting opportunity for building strong relationships and fending off loneliness and depression. However, if you are struggling with depression and need social support now, consider getting help through therapeutic depression treatment. Please, contact me for more information.
