New Senior Cohousing Project Launches in Gran Canaria
Los Girasoles, a new senior cohousing initiative in Firgas, Gran Canaria, aims to provide a sustainable community living model. Researchers, including María Luisa Delgado Losada from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, highlight that such projects can lead to improved social support, reduced loneliness, and enhanced cognitive health.
Participants Mónica Palacios and María Nebot joined the project to create a community-focused lifestyle. They seek to provide a supportive environment, contrasting the “individualistic” nature of modern society. The project features a spacious site where residents can age actively while caring for each other.
The initiative is a cooperative model for individuals aged 50 to 70, with ownership held by the cooperative itself. Members will have private apartments along with shared communal spaces, aiming for a maximum of 30 units that can accommodate 45 residents in total.
Delgado Losada emphasises that cohousing is a significant alternative for addressing the challenges posed by an ageing population. It fosters self-management, participation, and mutual support. Her research published in Frontiers in Public Health suggests that cohousing environments are linked to lower levels of loneliness and improved cognitive capabilities.
The increasing interest in such models reflects a desire among seniors to maintain autonomy and make choices about their lives as they age. The growing awareness around these community-focused alternatives responds to demographic changes and social isolation.
Inspired by existing projects like Taro Cohousing in Tenerife, Los Girasoles plans to include shared facilities such as common dining areas and versatile spaces for activities. The layout encourages community interaction while respecting personal privacy.
Ana Padrón, a member of Taro Cohousing, highlights the importance of creating a supportive community where residents can share responsibilities and care for one another. This approach creates a culture of “co-caring,” where residents help each other navigate daily challenges, such as medical appointments.
Research indicates that cohousing structures provide opportunities for social interaction and shared decision-making, which are crucial for maintaining an active and engaged lifestyle. While challenges in governance and potential conflicts persist, the overall framework fosters deeper connections and a sense of belonging among residents.
Entrants to these projects usually undergo a vetting process to ensure a good fit with the community, with Taro requiring participants to be between 45 and 70 years old. There’s also a commitment that any investment can be recouped if a resident decides to leave.
In recent years, there has been a noticeable rise in collaborative housing projects across the Canary Islands, with experts noting the need for supportive legal frameworks and funding to help those with fewer economic resources participate in such initiatives.
As they work to broaden their reach, the projects aim to promote sustainability, social justice, and companionship, providing alternatives to solitary living and fostering a sense of community among residents.
