Social Support as Driver for Positive Aging and Warm Solidarity within the Context of Intragenerational Co-Housing

Sofie Vanassche , Dr.
Dries Van Gasse, Dr.
Elke Claessens, Universiteit Antwerpen

Intragenerational cohabitation (IGC) of elderly persons has the potential to combine care, support and independence in aging. The increasing popularity of this form of housing is in line with the discourse that focuses on positive aging, approaching elderly from heir strengths, and thus not (only) from their limitations. Since IGC of the elderly is a relatively new phenomenon in Flanders, there is little to no empirical evidence on their experiences within this new form of living. This study therefore poses the question of how the elderly experience mutual exchange and support within a context of intragenerational cohabitation. In-depth interviews were conducted with 28 respondents (age 58 to 89) who live with at least one other person over 55 (who is not their partner). The interview data were processed according to the principles of the Grounded Theory approach. Respondents reported several benefits associated with IGC, several of which can be subsumed under the term social support. IGC hereby creates a natural context for providing e.g. practical help to each other, which involves spontaneous social interactions. It is striking that respondents often mention activities that they themselves are good at or derive satisfaction from, in which they can help or involve others. When the necessary preconditions in terms of privacy and personal boundaries, infrastructure, and safety are met, IWG can be a catalyst for positive ageing, within which older people feel they can contribute to the community from their strengths and interests, and provide help, support, and experiences to those around them.

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 Presented in Session 12. Well-being, Living Arrangements and Satisfaction among Older People