Baby Boomers Are Moving Into Communal Housing For a Surprising Reason

As people age, they often become more isolated. Life becomes lonely, whether because they’ve lost their partner or find it physically challenging to get out. That’s when becoming a member of a community is important. Joining a group with other older people, or entering into a communal living situation,  has definite health benefits.   

Older citizens often feel increasingly vulnerable as they age.  Although they may cherish having their own space and familiar surroundings, they also recognize the importance of having others close by in case they need help. For some couples, when one spouse dies, the other finds it hard to cope with daily living, and their loneliness becomes overpowering.  

By the year 2030, about 20% of the U.S. population will be over the age of 65. That comes to over 60 million people. Baby boomers (people born between 1946-1954) are now retiring and are considering what their later years will look like.  

In Guangzhou, China, seven friends would get together often, and the conversation usually turned to plans for retirement. None of them wanted to be alone and far from each other, so they devised an extraordinary plan. 

The seven women who purchased the retirement home have been friends for over 20 years. In fact, they feel more like siblings than friends; that’s how close they are. They’d get together often to chat, and because of their age, the conversation would always include everyone’s plans for retirement. 

The home they found needed work, but as they say, it had “good bones.” Originally built out of red brick, the group re-designed it, both inside and out, and it is now a stunning home. There are floor-to-ceiling glass windows to bring in the maximum amount of light. Most amazing is a floating team room with glass walls. 

The seven friends did an outstanding job of designing a home that provides both communal spaces and private rooms. At three-and-a-half stories, the house features two tea pavilions. One is outdoors, and the other is the floating room.   

It is amazing to all seven women how well their talents complement each other. For example, some are outstanding cooks, some specialize in Chinese medicine, one or two play instruments, and some of the women go shopping for food in the nearby village.   

As they neared retirement age, San Francisco natives Rose Mark and her husband Larry were looking to move from their fast-paced and rapidly growing city to something a little calmer.  They hadn’t planned for communal living but stumbled upon it by accident.

At the Phoenix Commons, a retiree can experience the best of communal living while also having complete privacy. There are 41 units in the Commons, and each resident is the owner of their own home. 

Residents at Phoenix Commons enjoy many family and group events together. This includes potluck dinners, birthday parties, and holiday celebrations.  Many residents invite friends and family who live outside the Commons to join in.

Communities designed with age or interest-specific groups in mind are called “intentional communities.” The Phoenix Commons qualifies in that regard.  In 2016, Rose Mark and her husband were one of the first couples to make the move. She firmly believes that “if [her friends] could witness life here, it might allay some of their fears about giving up their independence.”

Did you think that your days of having roommates ended decades ago?  Well, consider these three women.  Barb Coughlin, 71, Mary Townley, 71, and youngster Phyllis Brady, 66, decided to move in together after each had been living alone for around ten years. 

These three had been friends for over 40 years. Barb, Mary, and Phyllis were all living in London, Canada, and would see each other often, always enjoying each other’s company and hating to part after each meeting.  

When people hit retirement age, one of the biggest concerns is their health. As they get older, they will become less mobile. This is a major factor that the three women considered when buying their home. 

Barb, Phyllis, and Mary share all the expenses and split the responsibilities. They take turns with cooking, cleaning, and upkeep. While the financial savings is a definite plus, they admit that what they love most about their situation is the benefit to their mental and physical health.   

When it’s time to decide how and where you will retire, each person has to figure out what is right for them. Some people prefer to be in a communal situation, including communal dining and events, while others value their privacy but want to be around others their own age. 

Some people harbor negative ideas about communal living, imagining being forced to eat every meal together and participate in activities they don’t like. But when you think about it, young adults live communally, share chores, and sometimes hang out together, so why can’t seniors do the same thing?