SHARED INTERESTS AS A FOUNDATION FOR COHABITATION

Cohabitation, also known as cohousing, is becoming a common alternative to seniors’ homes in Quebec. This solution, which is more widespread in European companies (particularly Scandinavian countries and the Netherlands), is drawing the attention of the media and even some researchers and, of course, seniors. To some, it’s a way of breaking isolation. To others, it’s a solution to limited financial means.

Cohabitation is a broad term that can describe a number of different arrangements. For instance, family members or close friends may choose to live in the same apartment building so that they can still share resources and support each other, but maintain some independence.

Some people may want to live with a group of people their own age, while others may choose to live with people from all generations. No matter which option someone chooses, the important thing is to live with people who have common values and who are willing to share. Another potential solution is for students and seniors to live together. This allows the student to benefit, for example, from reduced rent in exchange for specific services or simply being there for the senior. This type of arrangement is generally made through an external organization that will ensure a good match and address both parties’ needs as long as they live together. The topic was also discussed on the radio show Pénélope, broadcast on Ici Première on January 15, 20201. The interviewees, a 23-year-old student and a 75-year-old woman, sang the praises of living together.

Will this type of arrangement, where shared interests lead to a mutually beneficial living situation, become more common over time? To some, it seems to be the way of the future.

Martine Rodrigue

Executive Director Association québécoise de défense des droits des personnes retraitées et préretraitées Lévis-Rive-Sud (AQDR)

Want to see more examples of successful cohabitation? The website of the Canadian Cohousing Network2 , which was formed in British Columbia in 1992, has plenty of stories. In Quebec, Cohabitat Québec3 is an excellent success story.

References:

1. Radio-Canada. La colocation entre aînés et étudiants pour briser l’isolement. En ligne. https://ici.radio-canada.ca/premiere/emissions/penelope/segments/ panel/151022/colocation-jeunes-aines-intergeneration?fbclid=IwAR2DlhU3s-

So388PZ0ZdWf4uAQr-8iG2ZT3YQvK1DWu9yVqSkyu77gO_oi4Q. Consulted on January 22, 2020. 2. Canadian Cohousing Network Online. https://cohousing.ca/. Consulted on January 22, 2020. 3. Cohabitat Québec. Online. https://www.cohabitat.ca/. Consulted on January 22, 2020.

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