20241107_LIASwoonvormen

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New living arrangements for the boomer generation

With age, the health and social needs of older adults become more complex. Multimorbidity, the coexistence of two or more chronic diseases, occurs in more than half of adults over 65 years of age. At the same time, there is less availability of informal caregivers due to a narrower base in the population pyramid, the increasing number of women who have started working and the greater geographical distance between parent(s) and child(ren). The demand for health services and other forms of support (cleaning help, hot meals, etc.) is therefore increasing.

The way in which living arrangements and care are currently organised must be reviewed. As the range of the elderly decreases, their need for home care will increase. Despite the possible age-related decline in basic and instrumental activities of daily living, most older adults still prefer their independence and would prefer to continue living at home or in their own environment. However, many of them live in large family homes in locations that are only easily accessible by car. This makes the organisation of home care complex and expensive. Alternative forms of housing, such as cohousing or care-appropriate flats in well-located areas, can offer a solution that avoids a transfer to a care institution and makes care affordable. In addition, we need to consider how our cities and neighbourhoods can be made more care- and elderly-friendly.

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For complex challenges an interdisciplinary synthesis can be more important and more relevant than technical and disciplinary expertise. Global problems require an international synthesis.

Joost Van Meerbeeck

Co-Chair LIAS/LIAS Foundation
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