COHOUSING

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Already there is an alternative to asylums in the United States and Europe. Cohousing is about collaborative and self-managed housing where communities of older adults decide to come together to share and enjoy common spaces while maintaining independence in their own homes.

The residents can define their own model of living together to share some or many of the life activities. From the most basic tasks such as community management, cleaning or leisure, to cooking, childcare, gardening, etc.

Common services, with a strong socio-cultural character, may include kitchen, dining room, laundry, nursery, infirmary, offices, workshops, function room, guest and travellers' rooms, games rooms, gymnasium, computers and multimedia, spa, conservatory, etc.

Origin

The modern concept originated in Denmark in the 1960s and 1970s, and subsequently spread to other northern European countries and the United States, where the generic name cohousing was formalised to define this form of living and housing organisation.

Operation

There are different ways of approaching ownership. The most common is the cooperative with transfer of use. In which the cooperative is the owner and the individuals have the right of indefinite use. It is a right that can be passed on by inheritance and can be sold through the cooperative. This facilitates the possibility of changing from one cohousing to another according to the needs of life at any time of life.

Cohousing facilitates coexistence and cooperation between residents. As well as the centralisation of facilities and services. This results in social, economic and environmental benefits.

How many Cohousing initiatives are there in Spain?

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Cohousing is a community living based on the creation of collaborative and sustainable living spaces. Groups of people interested in this way of life organise themselves to design, build and manage their own housing complex, where everyone has their own private space but shares common areas.

In a cohousing community, residents have their own housing and, in addition, share common spaces such as gardens, kitchens, living rooms, workshops, etc. This fosters community living, teamwork and collaboration, as well as promoting sustainability and the collaborative economy.

Cohousing communities can range in size and architectural style from small single-family homes to large apartment buildings. Moreover, these communities can be made up of people of all ages and backgrounds, from young singles to families with children and older adults.

ADVANTAGES OF COHOUSING FOR ENTREPRENEURS:

• Cost reduction: By sharing space and resources, living costs decrease significantly.
• Encouraging collaboration: Cohousing fosters collaboration and teamwork, which can be beneficial for entrepreneurs looking to set up new businesses or projects.
• Stress reduction: The stress of everyday life can be lessened by having a supportive community nearby.
• Encouraging creativity: By living in a collaborative environment, entrepreneurs can find inspiration and new ideas for their projects.

DISADVANTAGES OF COHOUSING FOR ENTREPRENEURS:

• Loss of privacy: By sharing common areas and living in a community, some privacy may be lost.
• Difficulties in decision-making: Decision-making can be more difficult in a community setting, as each member has his or her own opinion and perspective.
• Commitment and responsibility: Entrepreneurs living in a cohousing community have a shared responsibility for the management and maintenance of the space.

In short, cohousing can be an interesting option for entrepreneurs seeking a collaborative, sustainable and community-based lifestyle. Through cohousing, entrepreneurs can reduce costs, foster creativity and teamwork, and enjoy a supportive environment.

Cohousing is a an alternative to nursing homes and homes for the elderly, consisting of collaborative and self-managed housing where residents decide to come together to share and enjoy common spaces, while maintaining independence in their own homes. This form of living and housing organisation originated in Denmark in the 1960s-70s and has spread to other northern European countries and to the United States, where the generic name of cohousing has been formalised to define it.

Residents can define their own living arrangements and share vital activities, from community management to cooking, childcare, gardening and much more. In addition, they can enjoy common services such as kitchen, dining room, laundry, infirmary, offices, workshops, function room, guest and travellers' rooms, games rooms, gym, computers and multimedia, spa, conservatory, etc.

There are different forms of ownership in cohousing, but the most common is the cooperative with cession of use, where the cooperative is the owner and the people have the right of indefinite use. This facilitates the possibility of changing from one cohousing to another according to the needs of life at different times of life.

In short, cohousing facilitates coexistence and cooperation between residents, centralises facilities and services, and brings social, economic and environmental benefits. It is a an innovative and sustainable alternative for living in community and enjoying old age in an active and participatory way.