Bridging Generations: How Intergenerational Living is Reshaping Housing for an Aging World
- Rosa Matthews
- Jun 25
- 5 min read
In a world that’s rapidly graying, we’re witnessing a quiet revolution in how we live together. By 2050, one in six people globally will be over 65—up from one in eleven in 2019, according to the UN World Population Prospects. Even more strikingly, the UN Population Division projects that by the late 2070s, there will be more people aged 65 and over than children under 18. These aren’t just numbers—they reflect deep shifts in how societies function, especially when it comes to housing.
But amid these challenges lies an opportunity rooted in human history: bringing different generations together under one roof or in shared communities. Across the UK, US, and Asia, intergenerational living is making a quiet comeback. And each region has something to teach us.
More Than Just Roommates: Understanding Intergenerational Living
Intergenerational living isn’t just about grandma moving into the spare bedroom. As the Intergenerational Foundation outlines, it involves creating spaces where different age groups can interact meaningfully, share knowledge, and support one another.
That makes it distinct from multigenerational living, which the AARP Family Caregiving program describes as simply having multiple generations of one family living together—without necessarily encouraging daily engagement across age groups.
There are several forms this can take. The Pew Research Center notes the rise of multigenerational households in the US, while cohousing developments highlighted by the Cohousing Association include private residences with communal spaces that foster interaction. The National Shared Housing Resource Center points to shared housing programs that match older adults with younger housemates. AARP Livable Communities supports the use of Accessory Dwelling Units—or “granny flats”—that allow proximity without sacrificing privacy. Meanwhile, LeadingAge is promoting intergenerational retirement communities designed to integrate older adults into more age-diverse neighborhoods.
A Global Snapshot: Where We Stand
United Kingdom
In the UK, intergenerational living is gaining traction—though it’s still relatively rare. The Office for National Statistics reports that multigenerational households rose from 1.8% in 2011 to 2.1% in 2021, driven partly by economic pressures on young adults, a trend highlighted by the Resolution Foundation.
Policymakers are paying attention. The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Housing and Care for Older People launched an inquiry into the creation of intergenerational communities, and United for All Ages has championed the creation of Intergenerational England to combat age segregation.
Projects like InCommon’s Empower Programme, which connects schoolchildren with residents in retirement homes, are already showing promise. Meanwhile, companies such as Birchgrove and Hybr are experimenting with developments where students and retirees live side by side.
United States
In the US, the shift is even more pronounced. Pew Research Center data shows that by 2021, 18% of the population lived in multigenerational households—a major jump from previous decades, when the nuclear family was the norm, as documented by the US Census Bureau.
Several forces are driving this change: caregiving needs, economic pressures, and broader cultural shifts, all of which are explored by the Joint Center for Housing Studies. Federal initiatives like HUD’s Section 202 support intergenerational families, such as grandparents raising grandchildren. At the nonprofit level, Generations United created the Intergenerational Housing Learning Network to share best practices.
Bridge Meadows has pioneered intentional communities for foster children, adoptive families, and elders. And university-backed programs like Nesterly are bridging housing affordability and social isolation by matching students with older homeowners.
Asia
Asia presents a blend of traditional family structures and modern demographic realities. In Japan, over 30% of the population is now aged 65 or older, as reported in the Japan Statistical Yearbook. But despite these traditions, multigenerational living has declined to just 24%, according to OECD research. That said, new models—such as multi-generational share houses reported by Japan Times—are gaining ground.
South Korea, which became a “super-aged society” with more than 20% of its population over 65 according to the Korea Herald, is facing a similar transition.
Although traditional co-residence is declining, research from the Korea Research Institute for Human Settlements shows many seniors still prefer to live near their children. The country’s fertility rate, which fell to a record low of 0.72 in 2023, rose slightly to 0.75 in 2024 according to Statistics Korea.
Singapore is embracing intergenerational living through housing policies. The Housing & Development Board offers grants to families living near each other and is actively exploring ways to repurpose public housing for co-living. SingStat notes that nearly 20% of citizens are over 65, while the fertility rate stands at just 0.97.
The Philippines still maintains strong traditions of multigenerational living, but the Commission on Population and Development estimates it will become an aging society by 2030, when more than 10% of the population will be over 60.
Benefits That Cross Borders
No matter the region, intergenerational living consistently brings measurable benefits. The National Shared Housing Resource Center has found that regular contact across age groups helps reduce loneliness. The Family Caregiver Alliance reports that caregiving responsibilities are more manageable in these arrangements, often delaying or preventing the need for assisted living.
The Joint Center for Housing Studies points out that shared housing reduces living costs, while Generations United emphasizes how daily interactions foster mutual learning between generations. Research published in the Journal of Gerontology links intergenerational living to better mental health and improved social skills in children. AARP Research also highlights the role it plays in preserving cultural heritage and family traditions.
Real Challenges to Consider
Still, intergenerational living isn’t without its obstacles. Family Studies Research warns of privacy concerns when multiple generations live in close quarters. The Family Relations Journal has documented how communication gaps between age groups can lead to conflict. The Journal of Family Psychology points to boundary issues that can affect autonomy and independence.
Money is another flashpoint. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau notes that managing shared finances can be tricky. AARP Family Caregiving has found that coordinating different routines—especially around noise and scheduling—requires patience. And according to the Urban Land Institute, zoning laws can restrict the construction or use of multigenerational homes. Finally, the National Alliance for Caregiving emphasizes that without shared responsibility, caregivers risk burnout.
Learning From Each Other
Each region brings its own lessons to the table. Singapore and the UK have shown that public policy can drive intergenerational innovation—through efforts by Housing LIN and the Housing & Development Board. In the US, community-led programs like those from Generations United have taken the lead. And in Asia, the enduring values of filial piety, as discussed in the Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology, provide a cultural foundation for family-based care.
Looking across these examples, six key recommendations emerge:
Create policy frameworks with flexible zoning and financial incentives.
Fund grassroots initiatives that promote intergenerational interaction.
Use technology to facilitate communication and shared living.
Address affordability to make multigenerational living a choice—not a necessity.
Encourage education and shared experiences to foster understanding.
Expand research to study long-term effects and improve design.
Moving Forward Together
As the global population approaches its peak of 10.3 billion in the 2080s before beginning to decline, the UN Population Division suggests that new approaches to housing will be critical.
From Singapore’s housing grants to Bridge Meadows’ integrated communities and Empower’s school-based UK program, the future of housing may depend less on age-segregated retirement villages and more on interconnected models that bring people of all generations together.
By embracing global examples and shared lessons, we can build more resilient, inclusive housing systems that meet the needs of a rapidly aging world.
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