France: Initiative Brings Seniors & Students Under the Same Roof

Source: AARP.org | May 1, 2005

France: Initiative Brings Seniors & Students Under the Same Roof

French Secretary of State for Older People Catherine Vautrin recently presented the charter for the “Un toit, deux generations” (One Roof for Two Generations) initiative. A collaborative effort between the Fondation Nationale de Gérontologie and graduate students of University Science Po Paris has resulted in a charter intended to encourage intergenerational relationships - and at the same time offer older adults additional opportunities to age in place while remaining independent and engaged in community life. The comprehensive charter consists of guidelines for a homeshare scheme between older adults and Sciences Po students covering cohabitation issues such as privacy, noise level, and even advises the use of a mediator in case of disagreements between parties. While the student gets a free room in the house or apartment of an older person, he or she will help the older person in his or her daily life.

It is hoped that the initiative will help reduce loneliness older adults may experience, address the lack of affordable housing for students, and encourage better understanding and mutual respect between generations. Several organizations throughout France have begun implementation of the intergenerational homeshare project including Le PariSolidaire, Logement Intergénération, and Association Atout’Âge.

Sources:
Secrétariat d’Etat aux Personnes Âgées http://www.travail-solidarite.gouv.fr/espaces/personnes-agees/776.html

Fondation Nationale de Gerontologie http://www.fng.fr/