Shared apartment in old age: sociability, freedom and security
Shared flats, as we know them from young students, are also becoming increasingly popular with older people. This is because no other form of living offers so much sociability and freedom at the same time. Especially when ageing limits us, living in a senior or plus flat share can open new doors to our own autonomy.
Community instead of loneliness: advantages of a senior flat share
We go through many phases in the course of our lives. When we reach retirement age, we often have to reorient ourselves - also with regard to our housing situation. This is where older people can learn from younger people: Living together saves costs and creates community. A private room with sociable communal areas offers the perfect balance of privacy and company.
The advantages of a shared flat in old age are manifold:
- Mutual support: Whether shopping, cooking or in case of illness - we are there for each other.
- Lower costs: Rent and ancillary costs are shared, which is easy on the wallet.
- Sense of security: In an emergency, there is always someone on hand to help.
- Socialising and variety: Everything is more fun together - whether it's drinking coffee or going on excursions.
What forms of housing are there?
If you want to swap home ownership and loneliness for a shared flat in old age, you have various options:
- Senior flat share: Similar to a retirement home, but more personalised and often with round-the-clock care.
- Plus flat share: For people over 50 who are still active and independent but want to benefit from the community.
Plus flatshares in particular are becoming increasingly popular, as they offer freedom while still creating closeness. Many senior citizens are rediscovering their desire for shared activities such as sport, culture or gardening.
How to find the right shared flat
The demand for senior and plus flatshares is growing steadily. Online portals such as WG-Gesucht.de, pluswgs.de and wohnen-im-alter.de offer numerous options for people aged 50 and over looking for a flat share. Universities with special study programmes for seniors are also a good place to meet new flatmates.
Perhaps your own home is also suitable for converting into a lively shared flat. With new flatmates, you can not only share costs, but also make gardening and house cleaning easier. After a short period of familiarisation, afternoon coffee mornings will quickly become a much-loved ritual.
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Photo: Example image
