Spotlight on intergenerational co-living options

Key Concepts:

• Intergenerational co-living: Housing model where different age groups (seniors and younger individuals) share amenities and engage in communal life.
• Active aging: The process of maintaining independence and well-being as one ages through social interaction and physical activity.
• Assisted living facilities: Housing options for seniors who are independent but may require some medical care and attention.
• Community care apartments: Alternative housing options for seniors that provide a supportive community environment.
• Agency and autonomy: Seniors having the freedom to make their own choices and control their daily lives within the co-living environment.
• Intentional programming: Organized activities and events designed to foster interaction and engagement between different age groups.

1. Introduction to Intergenerational Co-living in Singapore

• Intergenerational co-living is emerging as a new private housing option for seniors in Singapore, where different age groups share amenities and engage in communal life.
• A recent tender for 20 conserved black and white houses earmarked for co-living use received five rental bids, with the highest bid reaching S$56,000 per month, indicating strong demand.

2. The Need for Alternative Housing Options for Seniors

• The number of Singaporeans aged 65 and above is increasing, with projections indicating that one in four Singaporeans will be in this age group by 2030.
• The government is rolling out alternative housing options for seniors to help them age gracefully, including community care apartments and assisted living facilities.
• These options are aimed at seniors who are more independent, mobile, and require less medical care.

3. The Intergenerational Co-living Model: Henderson Primary School Example

• The former Henderson Primary School is being repurposed for intergenerational co-living.
• The operator received inquiries even before the official opening.
• Madame Margaret, a 69-year-old cancer patient, chose to stay in the facility to give her children peace of mind and to interact with fellow seniors and youth.
• A 96-year-old resident enjoys the environment and interactions with his caregiver.

4. Features and Design of Intergenerational Co-living Spaces

• The design of the former Henderson Primary School aims to encourage interaction between young and old.
• Facilities include an outdoor pickleball court, a basketball court, table tennis space, and a gym with senior-friendly machines.
• Young people aged 18 to 25 can rent rooms, primarily overseas students on study stints, paying S$1,000 per month to share a room with three others.
• Senior rooms cost up to S$6,500 per month, depending on care and meals, with an on-site clinic and caregivers available.
• Seniors are housed on the ground floor due to the lack of lifts, while younger residents stay upstairs, with shared facilities located downstairs to encourage interaction.

5. Activities and Programming

• Activities between young and old are optional, but grocery vouchers may be offered to encourage participation.
• The operator is targeting people starting from age 60, whom they call "young seniors," and plans to hold talks where they can share their experiences with younger individuals.
• Examples of activities include seniors teaching calligraphy to younger residents and younger residents guiding seniors in exercise movements.

6. Other Intergenerational Co-living Projects

• 20 heritage black and white bungalows at Ati Road East will be turned into serviced apartments, a first for such conserved sites.
• The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) manages the lease for the area and recognizes the demand for co-living concepts with social interactions between generations.
• SLA is considering letting out state-owned properties for such uses based on market response.

7. Private Co-living Operators and Market Trends

• Private co-living operators currently have no specific plans to venture into intergenerational co-living.
• Habit, a major co-living player in Singapore, has seen an increase in residents over the age of 55, rising from 3.5% in 2022 to 6.1% in 2023, suggesting growing interest among seniors.
• Seniors may be drawn to the flexibility, community spirit, and shared resources offered by co-living spaces.

8. St. Bernadette Lifestyle Village: A Shop House Model

• St. Bernadette Lifestyle Village, an assisted living operator, is contributing to the intergenerational co-living space by offering competitive prices in a shop house setting.
• The model evokes a sense of nostalgia for older folks, with seniors housed on the first floor and younger residents/families on the second floor.
• Each floor has its own amenities and kitchen for privacy, but programs are in place to bring the two groups together.

9. Key Features of St. Bernadette's Intergenerational Co-living Space

• Safety features for seniors include grab bars, smoke alarms, and barrier-free access.
• Younger residents have access to co-living/co-working spaces and cooking facilities.
• Monthly rental for older residents who need care services can go up to S$5,000.
• Intentional programming, such as weekend breakfast or movie nights, is planned to encourage interaction, potentially with incentives for participation.

10. Factors for Successful Intergenerational Co-living

• Proximity of living spaces and shared amenities (kitchens, play areas, rest areas) are crucial.
• Intentional programming and incentivizing participation are necessary to foster interaction.
• The model offers a shift away from traditional nursing homes, providing seniors with more agency and autonomy.

11. International Examples

• Cities like Hong Kong and Taiwan, and countries like Japan, have similar intergenerational co-living models.
• In Taiwan, high rents and a rapidly aging population have led to initiatives where young people stay with seniors at lower rents in exchange for spending time with them.
• Japan has programs that match seniors living alone with university students, who share meals, spend time together, and play board games in exchange for rental discounts.

12. Singapore's Context and Future Prospects

• Singapore's trend of more singletons and longer lifespans makes intergenerational co-living a potentially useful model for companionship.
• The concept is in its early stages, and its success remains to be seen.
• It is important to consider whether this arrangement meets seniors' needs and how it compares to other options like nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and community care apartments.
• The arrangement should address the health, social, and mental well-being of seniors.

13. Conclusion

• Intergenerational co-living is an emerging housing model in Singapore that aims to bring together different age groups to share amenities and engage in communal life.
• The success of this model depends on factors such as proximity, intentional programming, and addressing the needs of both seniors and younger residents.
• While still in its early stages, intergenerational co-living has the potential to provide companionship, promote active aging, and offer affordable housing options in Singapore.