How Citizens Can Shape an Ageing Society
Building Connections Across Generations
When we talk about an ageing society, most people think of rising medical costs, pension pressure, or a shortage of caregivers. Yet ageing is not only a challenge — it can also be an opportunity to create stronger, more connected communities where people of all ages live and grow together.
This article explores how citizens can take part in shaping an ageing society through intergenerational living, shared housing, and community engagement — lessons inspired by Dutch organizations Movisie and Vilans, which have studied how to build inclusive societies for all ages.
1.Why Intergenerational Living Matters
1.1 Reducing Housing and Care Pressures
As populations age, many seniors live alone, often feeling isolated and dependent on professional care. Intergenerational living — where younger and older people share living spaces or interact regularly — can ease both housing and welfare pressures.
Dutch research has shown that seniors who stay socially active and connected tend to have higher well-being and lower care needs. Shared spaces and relationships can reduce loneliness and promote healthy aging.
1.2 Improving Quality of Life
Living together is not just about sharing a roof; it’s about sharing experiences. In the Netherlands, a well-known project lets university students live rent-free in senior housing in exchange for spending time with elderly residents. The result: meaningful friendships and mutual support across generations.
1.3 Building a Sustainable Society
Aging sustainably requires more than healthcare—it needs prevention, community support, and social inclusion. Intergenerational and community-based approaches can complement professional care systems, helping societies remain resilient and compassionate.
2.What Citizens Can Do
2.1 Individual and Family Actions
Open up to intergenerational contact. Start small — chat with an elderly neighbor, help them with digital tools, or invite them to community events.
Consider shared living. Younger adults or families can explore co-housing options with seniors; older adults might open part of their home to younger residents.
Plan for the future. In the Netherlands, campaigns like “Talk About Tomorrow” encourage people aged 60–75 to discuss where and how they wish to live as they age.
Think in terms of mutual support. Small acts of care — helping with groceries, cooking a meal, or simply listening — strengthen community bonds and improve well-being on both sides.
2.2 Community and Neighborhood Actions
Create community organizers. Not everyone will naturally interact across generations. Having local coordinators or volunteers who organize events, meals, or support networks helps ensure inclusion.
Design intergenerational activities. Combine the wisdom of elders and the energy of youth — such as shared workshops, gardening, or tech lessons.
Encourage shared spaces and housing projects. Communities can explore “co-housing” or “multi-generational homes” where people live independently but share common areas.
Design spaces for connection. Shared kitchens, gardens, and recreation areas foster informal interaction — the foundation of intergenerational living success.
2.3 Policy and System-Level Advocacy
Promote inclusive housing policies. Advocate for more accessible and adaptable housing that suits people of all ages.
Remove legal and financial barriers to shared housing. Simplify rental agreements, tax incentives, and safety regulations that support co-living.
Encourage cross-sector collaboration. Aging issues are not just about healthcare; they involve housing, welfare, urban planning, and education. Policymakers should work across these areas.
Collect and share data. Research on loneliness, housing outcomes, and well-being can guide better programs and policies.
3.Challenges to Overcome
Cultural and lifestyle differences. Younger and older people often have distinct routines and expectations. Mutual respect and communication are key.
System barriers. Successful Dutch examples rely on long-term housing and welfare systems that may not easily transfer elsewhere. Adaptation is essential.
Complement, not replace, professional care. Intergenerational living should supplement healthcare services — not substitute for them.
Need for coordination. Spontaneous interaction is valuable, but long-term success requires structured support, funding, and management.
Equity and privacy. Shared living must ensure dignity, safety, and fair responsibility for all participants.
4.A Shared Vision for the Future
Imagine a neighborhood where young adults, families, and seniors share the same community space.
There’s a communal garden, a shared kitchen, and regular events: seniors teach crafts or language, while young people help with technology or errands. Local groups coordinate “intergenerational lunches” and social programs, supported by housing associations and municipal policies.
In such a community, older adults feel valued and less isolated; young people gain wisdom and empathy; neighbors know and support one another. Together, they form a model of resilience and social harmony — the essence of a thriving ageing society.
Every citizen can contribute:
Start a conversation with an elderly neighbor.
Volunteer time to connect generations.
Propose intergenerational initiatives in your community.
Advocate for housing and social policies that promote shared living.
Conclusion
Building an ageing society is not only the task of governments — it is a collective effort shaped by how we choose to live together.
By promoting intergenerational connection, community support, and shared housing, citizens can help transform ageing from a social burden into a shared achievement — where every generation contributes, belongs, and thrives.