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Vibrant Senior Communities

The municipality of Rotterdam launched the “Vital residential communities” initiative to improve the social quality of residential complexes for older people. This study evaluates the approach.

Description

The Dutch government encourages older people to continue living independently for as long as possible. To meet the growing demand for independent living space, many municipalities have designated residential complexes specifically for older people. These complexes often have additional facilities, such as a meeting room, to improve the social quality of the complex. However, research shows that only a small proportion of residents use these spaces and that many elderly people become lonely. This is also the case in Rotterdam.

That is why the municipality of Rotterdam has launched “Vital communities” projects in five residential complexes for older people. The aim of these projects is to strengthen mutual involvement in the residential complexes, encourage social contact, improve the living environment and reduce loneliness. The research evaluates the approach.

Researcher

Prof. Dr Anja Machielse (project leader)

Partners

Various housing associations and welfare institutions in Rotterdam.

(Co-)funding

City of Rotterdam, Programmw “Ouder en Wijzer”. 

Resultaat

Report (in Dutch): “We hopen dat het leuker en gezelliger wordt.” Vitale woongemeenschappen in Rotterdamse ouderencomplexen.

Contact

Prof. dr. Anja Machielse, A.Machielse@UvH.nl.