The panel aided the participants in experiencing how senior coliving enriches the lives of older adults, meeting their unique needs in a supportive & inclusive environment.

The main aim of the session was to redefine senior housing with the concept of active ageing in senior coliving, providing fully furnished private spaces, community spaces and flexible leases that cater to an independent and purposeful lifestyle.

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What was covered in this session?

• Discussions surrounding active ageing, revolutionising senior housing,and empowering seniors were the focus of this panel. The aim was to unearth new ways and strategies to transition seniors into a purpose-filled social and personal life through top notch shared spaces. 
• The panel addressed the importance of community spaces within senior coliving environments, promoting social interaction, wellness activities and fostering a sense of belonging among residents.
• The session participants witnessed the ways in which senior coliving enhances the quality of life for older adults. The attendees and speakers engaged in conversations addressing the unique needs and preferences of seniors while nurturing a supportive and inclusive living environment.

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Active Ageing and Coliving

Ron van Bloois, the moderator of the panel, introduced himself as the founder and chairman of the Senior Housing and Healthcare Association (SHHA), where he passionately advocates for innovative housing solutions for older adults. Ron, who is also an associate professor at Amsterdam School of Real Estate, spotlighted the significance of senior coliving as an impactful asset class that offers seniors the opportunity to live independently, promoting a high quality of life. He underlined the importance of innovative approaches and commended initiatives such as Ages&Vie by Korian, which focus on freedom and community, delivering both longevity and societal impact. Ron underscored the broader implications of ageing on society and policy, setting the stage for the discussions.

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Creating Resilient Senior Communities

Throughout the discussion, the theme of creating resilient senior communities took centre stage, with a particular focus on the notion of multi-generational living. Ron pointed out that this topic has widespread implications beyond just housing assets, as it challenges our preconceptions about senior living and encourages the integration of different age groups. The concept of resilience extended to city planning, considering not just the physical structure of housing but the socio-economic and legislative aspects affecting the elderly population. Overseas insights, such as those from Elizabeth White, added depth to the conversation, especially in the context of affordability and societal impact.

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Innovative Social Housing

The conversation transitioned to Judith Tillie from Woonzorg Nederland, one of the largest social housing foundations in the Netherlands, specialising in housing for older adults. Judith's passion for creating positive social impact and fostering new communities shone through as she discussed their innovative approach. With an asset management portfolio of approximately 6 Billion Euros, Woonzorg Nederland strives to empower older adults by providing them with control over their lives and creating a sense of shared spaces. This emphasis on community-building extends to affordability, which not only makes their housing accessible to those with lower incomes but also contributes to societal well-being. Judith illustrated the design of their buildings, promoting social interaction and physical activity, all aimed at mitigating loneliness and improving the quality of life for their residents.

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Coliving for Older Adults

Guydo Reyneveld, Founder at Groupius Wonen, continued the conversation by presenting their coliving model for older adults in the mid-range rental market. Guydo's commitment to community-building was evident as he highlighted their approach to develop strong, age-diverse communities from the early stages of the project, involving future residents in the design process. With the Dutch housing market under pressure and elderly individuals reluctant to leave their family homes, Guydo stressed the need to make the move an enticing proposition. He suggested that living in clustered environments would ease access to care, addressing the impending shortage of caregivers, and acknowledged the challenge of persuading older adults to embrace this change. Their focus on quality of life and intergenerational relationships served as a potential solution to this issue.

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Affordable Coliving for Older Adults

Elizabeth White, Founder of Nuuage Co-Living, entered the discussion by addressing the retirement income crisis and the challenge of ageing alone for older adults with moderate incomes. Elizabeth's passion for addressing the financial insecurity and emotional well-being of older adults was evident as she elaborated on the significance of affordability. She drew attention to the fact that longer lifespans have fundamentally altered the financial landscape for retirees, with many lacking the savings to sustain their standard of living. Elizabeth highlighted NUUage's mission to create an environment where residents can age in community, with affordable living spaces designed to combat loneliness and isolation, all while staying engaged and integrated with the broader community. She underscored the need for alternative narratives around ageing to inspire a sense of purpose and connection among residents.

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Luxury Senior Living with Multigenerational Integration

James Bryan Graves, Co-Founder at The Embassies, wrapped up the discussion by introducing their premium coliving concept catering to luxury-seeking older adults. James underscored the importance of breaking away from the traditional senior living model, often associated with gated communities and the isolation of residents. Instead, The Embassies strive to redefine senior living by integrating multigenerational aspects into urban settings. Their approach talks about inclusivity, stimulating mentor-mentee relationships and intergenerational knowledge exchange. By providing a vibrant and luxurious living experience for older adults, they aim to foster excitement about this new chapter of life, where ageing is perceived as an adventure rather than a decline. The integration of diverse generations into urban life challenges preconceived notions about ageing and redefines the way society views the elderly population.

Reflecting on the success of the first 2 editions, Coliving Conference 2025 is now in full swing. The 2-day conference is set to bring another year of industry-leading discussions, featuring expert insights, emerging trends, and innovative ideas shaping the future of shared living. Secure your spot today and be part of the conversation.