Barriers Faced in the Establishment of Cohousing Communities for Older Adults in Eastern Canada

Abstract

Cohousing is an innovative form of housing that is characterized by the autonomy of private dwellings with the advantages of shared resources in a socially intentional culture of mutual support. While there are many benefits of cohousing, the growth of cohousing for seniors in Eastern Canada has been slow. We share findings from seven interviews conducted with key informants with a focus on barriers faced in their endeavors to establish cohousing communities. The results of this study are salient for those interested in developing cohousing and especially in locations where cohousing does not exist and outside of large urban centers.

Keywords:

• Cohousing
• aging
• Canada
• rural
• small town

Acknowledgment

We thank the participants in this study who graciously shared their stories.

Disclosure statement

The authors do not have any financial interest or benefit that has arisen from the direct application of this research.

Additional information

Funding

Funding to support knowledge translation activities related to this work was received from a Connection Grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.