Brazil faces demographic shift as elderly population grows

Brazil is experiencing a rapid demographic shift, with the number of people aged 60 or older reaching approximately 32 million, a 57.4% increase compared to the previous census. This aging trend necessitates public policies that extend beyond healthcare and pensions to include social participation, culture, education, and leisure.

As the number of Brazilians living alone has more than doubled between 2012 and 2025—rising from 7.5 million to 15.6 million according to IBGE data—new housing models like ‘cohousing’ are gaining attention. This model combines private residences with shared communal spaces such as kitchens, gardens, and leisure areas to foster social connection while maintaining individual autonomy.

A cohousing project is currently under development in Petrópolis, Rio de Janeiro, with an expected opening in the second half of 2026. Experts suggest that such community-based living can mitigate the health risks associated with loneliness, including anxiety and depression, by providing consistent social interaction.