Intergenerational housing is not a western American norm. Yet, "nuclear families" struggle with juggling the burdens of child care, professional lives, and elder care — with many of these burdens falling on women. Intergenerational housing is a potent solution to this fragmented system of care.
"Loneliness acts as a fertilizer for other diseases” - Dr. Steve Cole, PhD
"About 28 percent of older adults in the United States, or 13.8 million people, live alone." Millions of elderly Americans live alone and in nursing homes, thousands of miles away from loved ones and caretakers. The rise of loneliness in the elderly has lead to a series of non-human interventions, from animatronic pets to robots who will give you a hug. The individualist nature of American society has created a cultural norm of not caring for the "village," but only for oneself.
Couples and single parents spend nearly 25% and 50% of their income, respectively, on childcare. Cultivating an enriching early childhood experience can be further hindered by expensive pre-school systems, lower quality public schooling, and the burden of child care to working families. A variety of tech platforms make it easier for micro-schools to get certified and off the ground, such as MyVillage, which empowers local educators to create a daycare center within their own homes. Other platforms such as Wonderschool and Brightwheel help connect parents and teachers within the pre-school ecosystem.
As the nuclear family disappears, intergenerational housing begins to resolve the loneliness crisis in the elderly and the burdens of childcare. Novel housing structures better conceptualize the future of care for all, such as a preschool inside a nursing home.
An integrated care system, as seen in this visual by likewe.care.
"“We wanted a living, vibrant community; to make sure that this was a place where people came to live, not die.” - Charlene Boyd