Housing and ageing in France and Germany: the intergenerational solution

Résumé En

Purpose – In France and Germany, intergenerational housing is put forward as an option by publicauthorities. This kind of housing scheme seems like a good solution for seniors and young people, from bothan economic and a social point of view. But beyond this common philosophy, there are differences in the wayintergenerational housing is being implemented in the two countries. France mainly favours the studentseniorhome-sharing model whereas the intergenerational collaborative housing (co-housing) model basedon solidarity between seniors and families is gaining ground in Germany. The purpose of this paper is toexplore the reasons for these differences and present results from field surveys conducted in both countries.Design/methodology/approach – The qualitative methodology of the field surveys consisted essentially ofsemi-structured interviews with the young people and seniors living in these types of housing, in order tounderstand how they experienced intergenerational solidarity.Findings – The authors’ surveys revealed that certain conditions are essential for this intergenerationalsolidarity to be fully effective, notably voluntary participation and commitment to the project, and possiblyexternal support to ensure that it is designed and implemented in the best possible way.Originality/value – This paper provides useful recommendations for decision makers who wish to supportthis type of housing concept based on intergenerational solidarity.