Daija Holliday, 25, a psychology student at Marquette University in Wisconsin, prioritized three criteria when searching for housing: safety, reasonable rent, and a community to connect with. She ultimately chose the St. Camillus Life Plan Community, a senior living residence, considering it her second family. "I always feel supported by everyone here," Holliday said.

Regarding costs, she pays 500 USD per month for a private apartment, which is one-third the average rent in the area. The sole trade-off is the quiet pace of life. "Around 7:30 PM or 8 PM, everything pretty much settles down. If you prefer a vibrant nightlife, this place wouldn't be suitable," Holliday stated.

St. Olaf College in Minnesota also implements this model. A common feature of these programs is creating conditions for young people and older adults to engage in daily activities together. Students can use the community's amenities, participate in volunteer activities with seniors, and receive a dining credit at on-campus restaurants to increase interaction opportunities.

Illustration: Kare11.com

Sheri Steinig, Director of Strategic Initiatives for the nonprofit Generations United, said, "When people live together in one space, natural conversations and connections occur more frequently than during formal social events."

According to Steinig, these small daily interactions foster strong intergenerational relationships.

This trend emerges as loneliness is increasingly recognized as a public health issue. In 2023, former US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy warned that loneliness harms health as much as smoking 15 cigarettes daily, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, dementia, depression, anxiety, and premature death.

Marquette University stated the program is open to students of various ages and majors, though most participants are graduate students. Students are encouraged to use community amenities, volunteer with older residents, and receive a monthly dining credit for on-campus restaurants to enhance social opportunities.

The university anticipates this model will not only help students reduce financial burdens but also foster meaningful intergenerational relationships, providing a sense of connection and reducing loneliness for both young people and older adults.

Nhat Minh (According to Market Watch, The Sun)