What if the best way to age brilliantly wasn’t in isolation or age-segregated communities, but together—with people of all generations, sharing meals, responsibilities, stories, and support? Around the world, intergenerational co-ops are reimagining the way we live, bringing older and younger people under the same roof—not just as neighbors, but as collaborators in a shared life.

“The connections between generations are essential for the mental health and stability of a nation.” – Margaret Mead
 That truth holds more weight than ever as we confront growing loneliness, housing affordability challenges, and the desire for more purposeful living. Intergenerational co-ops offer a solution that’s not just practical, but deeply human.

Why Intergenerational Co-ops Are Gaining Momentum

As people live longer and retirement evolves into reinvention, many are seeking community models that support their goals for purpose, health, and connection. At the same time, younger generations face rising housing costs, career instability, and social disconnection. These needs, once treated separately, now find a shared solution in cooperative living.

Astudy published in The Journal of Aging Studies found that intergenerational housing improves mental wellbeing, reduces ageism, and fosters meaningful relationships that benefit both older and younger participants.

Instead of traditional retirement communities or high-rent apartments, co-ops offer a new model of shared ownership, shared purpose, and mutual growth.

What Is an Intergenerational Co-op?

An intergenerational co-op is a living arrangement where people from different age groups share a residential space—sometimes a building, sometimes a neighborhood—with the intention of supporting one another. Residents typically contribute to shared responsibilities like meals, childcare, or home maintenance. But it goes far beyond logistics. These communities are built on connection, contribution, and collective care.

They vary widely in structure. Some are formal cooperatives where residents own shares. Others are nonprofit or community-led. What unites them is a belief that living together can make life richer—for everyone.

Real-World Examples

• Merrill Gardens at The University (Seattle, WA) partners college students with older adults for shared living and mentorship.
• Humanitas (Netherlands) provides university students free rent in exchange for spending time with senior residents.
• Bridge Meadows (Portland, OR) brings together foster children, adoptive parents, and elders in a supportive housing community.

These co-ops are transforming loneliness into belonging and turning multi-generational relationships into daily enrichment.

Action Steps: How to Explore or Start an Intergenerational Co-op

1. Research and Reach Out
 Use platforms likeCohousing.org orFoundation for Intentional Community to find co-ops and intentional communities that already exist. You can filter by region, age range, and type of structure.

2. Join a Local Movement
 Look for Meetup groups or Facebook groups focused on multigenerational living, sustainability, or cooperative housing. TheVillage to Village Network is another great resource to explore community-based aging-in-place models.

3. Create a Pilot Model
 If one doesn’t exist near you, consider starting a small pilot. Invite like-minded individuals—family, friends, or trusted colleagues—to co-design a shared housing experience. Apps likeCoBuy help groups navigate the process of buying property together.

4. Get Legal and Financial Support
 Consult with an attorney or financial planner to explore cooperative ownership models, shared leases, or condo agreements. TheNational Shared Housing Resource Center offers guides on how to create legally sound intergenerational housing structures.

5. Prioritize Values and Purpose
 Design the community not just around space, but shared values. Use planning tools likeNotion orMiro to map out goals, responsibilities, and collective decision-making models.

Benefits That Go Beyond the Roof

Studies show that living in multi-generational communities enhances mental agility, reduces depression, and boosts empathy. A2021 University of Chicago report found that younger adults living with older residents reported greater purpose, stronger emotional skills, and a more positive outlook on aging.

For older adults, the benefits are equally compelling. Interacting with younger people improves cognition, increases motivation, and creates a deep sense of value. These communities don’t just house people—they revitalize them.

Tools to Help You Explore the Possibilities

Let’s Reflect: Could Intergenerational Living Be Part of Your Future?

Have you ever lived with someone from a different generation outside your family? What did you learn?
 Do you feel your current housing supports connection, purpose, and mutual support?
 What would your ideal intergenerational co-op look like—and who would you want to share it with?

Join the conversation in theAge Brilliantly Forum and share your vision. Whether you’re seeking your next home, planning for purposeful aging, or exploring how to help others thrive—intergenerational co-ops may just be the future of meaningful living. Let’s imagine what we can build, together.