France expands intergenerational living to combat senior isolation

In France, intergenerational cohabitation models are being utilized to combat social isolation among seniors. At the Maison d’Aspasie in Arcueil, a residence managed by the association Habitat et Humanisme, 37 residents ranging in age from 2 to 82 live in a community of 22 social housing units. The facility includes separate apartments alongside shared spaces like gardens and collective kitchens, where residents commit to participating in community life.

Beyond dedicated residential complexes, private cohabitation is also increasing through initiatives like Le Pari Solidaire. This network connects individuals over 60 with residents under 30, allowing young people to access affordable housing in exchange for providing presence and assistance to their older hosts.

Data from the Caisse nationale de solidarité pour l’autonomie indicates that shared housing currently involves nearly 275,000 people across approximately 13,000 intergenerational residences. The French government aims to expand this model, with reports suggesting a goal to double the shared housing stock by 2040 to address the needs of an aging population.