Senior Co-Housing Communities in Denmark

Abstract

Since 1987 approximately 250 senior co-housing communities have been established in Denmark. This descriptive study reports the findings of a mixed-methods investigation among the residents. The respondents were primarily asked about experiences that related to the social interaction in their facilities and to their personal adaptation to their new settings. Despite having experienced challenges, the respondents generally reported that they personally had adapted well to their new environment; similarly, the majority of residents held positive views on the organization of the resident group. This article also contains a brief history of senior co-housing in Denmark.

KEYWORDS:

• senior co-housing
• neighbors
• mutual support
• social network
• self-government