For those who do not wish to live alone or move in with their children, there is an increasingly valued option: living with people of the same stage of life. Known as cohousing or peer cohabitation, this model combines independence with companionship.
Each person maintains their private space, but shares closeness, support, and social life with friends or like-minded individuals. This reduces isolation, stimulates mental activity, and creates a genuine support network, free from hierarchies and forced roles.
Living near those who share similar memories, rhythms, and experiences allows one to age in companionship, without sacrificing freedom. It’s not about living crammed together, but rather integrated, with doors that open by choice, not obligation.
The environment matters more than the number of people.
A common mistake is believing that a house full of family members guarantees well-being. The reality is different: the quality of the environment is more important than the number of people living there. A safe, accessible, functional, and stimulating home protects autonomy and prevents accidents, dependency, and sadness.
Dangerous staircases, poorly adapted bathrooms, or impractical spaces can be more limiting than loneliness. Designing the right environment is a long-term health strategy.
Tips and recommendations
Always prioritize your autonomy as long as your health allows.
If you need help, hire it in your own home before giving up your space.
Consider alternatives such as smaller or adapted housing.
Talk to your children openly and honestly, not from a place of guilt or fear.
Consider living with peers as a real and manageable option.
Adapte your home to make it safe, comfortable, and functional.
Remember: asking for help isn’t losing independence; giving it away without thinking is.
The question isn’t who an older person “should” live with, but who they can continue to be themselves with. Aging with dignity means choosing freedom, respect, and emotional well-being. As long as health and awareness exist, the best place to live is where you keep the keys to your own door and remain the protagonist of your own story.
