The growing challenge of aging in the city
The aging of the population is a phenomenon that is accelerating in Barcelona, with an increasing number of older citizens who need living and social solutions. This situation has resulted in a series of innovative initiatives that seek to support this strip of the population.
Community Models: Can 70 and shared homes
Among the most important proposals are Can 70, a housing cooperative that is expected to open in 2027 with the aim of creating a mutual support space for forty people. This model promotes self -management and social interaction as fundamental pillars to combat loneliness, as explained by Elionor Sellés, one of the promoters of the project.
The importance of mutual support
Elionor emphasizes that community projects such as Can 70 are essential for approaching the feelings of isolation that many of them experience. His vision is clear: to create a community where residents can share not only a physical space, but also experiences and emotional support.
On the other hand, the Shared Household Foundation has been operating for more than twenty years, providing housing to those who face economic difficulties. With several locations in Barcelona and Badalona, this project houses almost sixty people, who share flats and reduce the financial burden of rent to a maximum of 30% of their pension.
The experience of the residence
Joan Alfons Garcia, resident of the Foundation, expresses his satisfaction with the model, which has provided him with a space that can be called ‘house’ and allows him to live in a self-sufficient way, moving away from economic anguish.
The key role of institutions
According to Daniel López, a social psychology expert at the UOC, the emergence of these initiatives is a necessary response to the changes in the living conditions of the elderly. López argues that the evolution of family dynamics and the role of local communities are factors that have influenced the need for these solutions.
Need for public involvement
López emphasizes that in order to make these initiatives accessible to a large population with diverse socioeconomic conditions, it is essential for the public administration to be actively committed. Without this support, the solutions could be limited to specific cases without the necessary scope to deal with such a demographic problem.
Looking to the future
With the constant increase in the population in Barcelona, the need for inclusive and community housing models becomes more urgent. The collaboration between private initiatives and the administration is key to building a future where the elderly can live with dignity and company, contributing to a more cohesive and supportive society.
