Intergenerational and seniors’ innovative housing models: A scoping review.

Mahmood, A., Seetharaman, K., Chaudhury, H., & Humphries, J. (2020). Intergenerational and seniors’ innovative housing models: A scoping review. Report submitted to Seniors Pensions and Policy Secretariat of Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). https://bc.healthyagingcore.ca/sites/default/files/2021-08/Mahmood%20et%20al.%20ESDC%20Report-ExecSummary.pdf

Executive Summary

Consistent with one of the research priorities set out by the National Housing Strategy of Canada, this study seeks to explore alternative approaches to addressing housing needs and challenges of older adults by focusing on key innovative housing and service models developed and implemented in Canada and other countries. The housing and service models studied in this review include: (i) co-living; (ii) cohousing; (iii) homesharing; (iv) cooperative housing; (v) affinity communities; (vi) service-integrated housing; and (vii) life lease housing and (viii) community hub; (ix) Naturally Occurring Retirement Community Supportive Services Program (NORC-SSP); and (x) the Village. The research questions guiding this study include: (i) What are the needs and challenges of older Canadians in terms of housing?; (ii) What types of innovative housing models exist in Canada and other nations to address these needs and challenges?; and (iii) What are the advantages, disadvantages, strengths, and weaknesses of these housing models in relation to the diverse needs and challenges of older adults at the intersection of different characteristics? The review synthesizes findings from 94 journal articles, book chapters, as well as program and policy reports.