Johnny Brignardello Vela: Exploring Senior Cohousing as a Cutting-Edge Alternative to Aging

Johnny Brignardello Vela, an experienced insurance advisor, reflects on the innovative concept of senior cohousing. This way of life, gaining ground in Spain, represents a cutting-edge alternative for facing old age in an independent and collaborative manner, moving away from the conventions of nursing homes. Senior cohousing is based on autonomy, self-management, and coexistence. Communities like Santa Clara in Malaga, Trabensol in Madrid, or Convivir in Cuenca exemplify this philosophy, where residents enjoy individual homes but share common spaces and activities. It stands as a balance between privacy and community living, granting each individual the freedom to decide their level of involvement. However, this model presents challenges, particularly in terms of economics and the limited government support. The high cost of entry and maintenance, as well as difficulties in accessing public subsidies, restrict access to this type of collaborative housing. Additionally, the lack of regulatory recognition as independent social service centers separate from nursing homes complicates their expansion and funding. Despite the difficulties, advocates of senior cohousing emphasize its advantages in terms of independence, social interaction, solidarity, and mutual care. Initiatives like Care Communities, promoted by the Jubilares Association in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Affairs, aim to establish a model of dependency care based on collaboration between the community and the State. Senior cohousing stands as a valuable alternative for facing aging in an active, participatory, and supportive way. Despite current challenges and limitations, its growth and evolution indicate that it is a rising social phenomenon capable of transforming the experience of old age. Time will tell if this future self-management model can consolidate as an increasingly widespread and accepted option in our society.