Future of an Ageing Population

younger people who commit to providing services to the community. The
main objectives of the model are to provide decent low-cost housing and
reduce loneliness and social isolation while providing housing and a sense
of community engagement for younger people in need.
To live in an inter-generational building, such as the Plaza de América in
Alicante, the older people have to be over 65, able to live independently,
have no other habitable dwelling and have an income below ¤21,000
per year. Younger people need to be under 35 years of age, willing to
commit to provide services, not already have adequate accommodation
and have a personal income below ¤21,000 per year. Younger tenants
are committed to involvement in community service and looking out for
four of their older neighbours 100 .
Inter-generational living in the UK may also become more common as the
population ages. In some European countries nearly half of people over the age
of 55 live with adult children, whereas less than 15% do so in the UK (see Figure
4.4). Inter-generational living could bring benefits to all age groups, addressing
loneliness and social isolation among older people, facilitating care for older
and younger relatives, and reducing housing costs. The increasing numbers
of generations alive at the same time (see Chapter 5) suggests that demand
for inter-generational living will increase in the future. Current barriers include
a lack of suitable housing options, and financial concerns such as the cost
of adaptations and the impact of inheritance tax on co-owned properties 101 .
Outside of the family, a recent homeshare initiative in the UK matched younger
people requiring low-cost housing with older people requiring domestic help
and companionship 102 . These models may become increasingly common as
the demand for inter-generational living increases.
P55