Housing the ageing population of NSW in homes that are affordable, accessible and stable presents a major challenge for the state, particularly in a time of rising housing costs. New models are needed to address social isolation, tenure insecurity, care costs and seniors’ aspirations to age in place.
Co-housing may be one such model. Co-housing, or co-living, arrangements aim to mix private and shared spaces in a way that meets the need for both privacy and a sense of community and support. With an emphasis on social interaction, environmental sustainability and accessible design, co-housing may provide an attractive housing alternative for seniors. But how do we make it happen in NSW?
A 12-month research project conducted by ISF and funded by a NSW Department of Family and Community Services Liveable Communities Grant and the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage examined the opportunities presented by co-housing for seniors in NSW, the existing barriers to uptake, and ideas for overcoming these barriers.
RESEARCH OUTPUTS
Co-housing for seniors - What is co-housing? (Fact sheet)
Co-housing for seniors - Three models (Fact sheet)
Co-housing for seniors - Sustainability (Fact sheet)
Co-housing for seniors (Report)
Co-housing for seniors (2017) (Literature review)
Workshop notes: priority actions to facilitate co-housing for seniors
MEDIA
Co-housing works well for older people, once they get past the image problem - The Conversation, 23 June 2017
Co-housing oldies - ABC Radio National, Life Matters, 7 July 2017
Researchers
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Professor and Research Director -
Laura Wynne -
Kylie McKenna -
Matthew Daly
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Research Director -
Alex Gold
Years
- 2016-2017
Client
- NSW Family and Community Services (FACS NSW)
