French senior residences offer free housing to students for social animation

Senior residential facilities in France are implementing intergenerational housing programs that provide students with free accommodation in exchange for social animation services.

In Cognac, the Les Ambres residence is offering a fully furnished apartment to a student. In return for rent-free living, the student will work 15 hours per week as an animation assistant. Responsibilities include participating in workshops, assisting with outings, and providing companionship to residents to foster connections between different generations.

A similar model is active in Brest at a Domitys residence. An 18-year-old student lives in a two-room apartment without paying rent, dedicating 15 hours weekly to organizing quizzes, board games, manual crafts, and singing sessions for the elderly residents. These programs aim to combat isolation among seniors while addressing the high cost of student housing.