Without question, homeshare is advantageous regardless of age. From those in their 20s to those in their 80s and 90s, as well as their own families and loved ones, homeshare touches lives across generations.
People of all ages who live in homeshare arrangements speak of the positive impact that sharing a home with another individual has on different aspects of their lives. For many, it is a life-changing experience that brings welcome and meaningful change, and over the years, we have heard some wonderful stories about shared friendships and the strong connections that homeshare has helped shape.
Whilst people in homeshare arrangements are at different stages in their lives, it’s clear that there are mutual benefits as well as those that are more specific by age – be it younger or older. The most common of which stem from companionship, the feeling of self-worth by supporting someone else, and the reassurance and security of someone in the home overnight.
Householders often report feeling more secure and at ease because there is someone to look out for them and raise the alarm in case of emergencies. The benefit of having another pair of eyes and ears, and a helping hand, is indispensable to many because it empowers older people to live independent lives and to thrive in their own environment.
Whether it be mowing the grass, picking up a bottle of milk from the shops, or winding down at the end of the day watching a TV programme together – having someone else around to chip in with day-to-day activities is comforting. This level of support helps people to see situations in a more helpful way and triggers better thoughts, feelings and emotions supporting better mental health and wellbeing.
The rental crisis is, for the younger generation, a cause of distress and many of our sharers tell us that homesharing is an effective way to enable them to live affordably in a nice area, in a welcoming home – having the option to share a home in this way overcomes the ongoing struggles that younger people face when searching for accommodation.
Here’s a glimpse into what our householders, and sharers, have told us about the impact of homeshare on their lives.
Johanna, 56, homeshares with Iris, 92 in London
“I was living in a houseshare in London where I was struggling financially and I thought, ‘I’ve got to see if there’s another way of not paying so much rent.’ And then this idea about co-living came up and I thought, ‘wow, that’s such a good idea!. I’d say it’s like being a companion to someone.” Johanna.
“It’s companionship really. She’s always there when I need her.” Iris
Luciana, 42, homeshares with Flo, 84 in South West London
“Without Flo, I would have spend lockdown alone in a room paying £700 and only getting 80% of my salary on furlough, feeling depressed. We are different, but have a lot in common. It’s not about age … she’s really funny and very smart.” Luciana
“The joy of this is that if you’re old, you might not need care but just someone to nudge life along. It’s having somebody in the house to watch that the fridge is full, that there’s milk, to ask ‘Have you eaten?. Luciana is my eyes and ears.” Flo’s daughter Katie
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