I recently had the good fortune to list a unit in Vancouver’s first cohousing development at 1733 East 33rd. In fact, this was the first unit to go for public sale since the development completed in March 2016. Before this listing, I knew a little about cohousing, but not much. This experience has been an eye-opening insight into a movement that could change the way we think about creating communities that truly enhance our lives, communities that could help us live happier, more rewarding and more productive lives, all of which could help us to live longer.

Dementia rates are on the rise worldwide, and the numbers of those living with the ailment are set to triple by 2050. A dementia diagnosis is not just a quality of life issue, it’s a life expectancy issue too. According to StagesOfDementia.org, ‘people who suffer from Alzheimer’s related dementia usually live 4 and a half years after being diagnosed’.

I’ve seen the effects of dementia first-hand. My dad was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimers (the most common form of dementia) back in 2018. It’s been a sobering and saddening journey—and we’re still in the early stages.

According to this policy document set out by the Government of Canada, our primary strategy here in Canada is prevention. An excellent article published recently in The Tyee pointed out that ‘if we are to take prevention seriously, it does mean we need to transform our societies’. the article also highlights the 12 risk factors that have been identified as contributing factors in dementia. Some of these, like air pollution, are environmental. Some, like hearing impairment and hypertension, are underlying. And some, like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are the result of poor lifestyle choices.

Also recognised, however, is infrequent social contact, and this is where co-housing can play a significant role.

In cohousing, residents are active community members who participate in a range of formal and informal activities together. These include shared meals and social activities, gardening, childcare and more. With these relationships come responsibilities and collective decision-making, as well as a commitment to participate and work together.

“I love the intergenerational aspect of our life here,” explains Vancouver Cohousing resident Olive Dempsey, “Each of us have different gifts that we contribute and different ways that we benefit from being in community.” Dempsey, who is selling her townhome to move into a larger unit in the development, sees this as more than just a financial transaction. “We know that, for the right person or family, moving into cohousing will be something that brings not just new friendships, but also the appreciable improvements in day-to-day life that come from genuine relationships with the people who live around you.”

Vancouver Cohousing at 1733 East 33rd.

Cohousing as a concept came into being in the late 1960s in Denmark, where residents were looking for an alternative to existing urban and suburban living options. Like most condo developments in the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Cohousing uses the strata title ownership model. As well as full ownership of individual units, members also own a share of the impressive common facilities and spaces. 

While there is no strict requirement for involvement in community life, (yes, introverts are welcome) members are expected to partake in the upkeep and organization of common amenities. The common house has a full kitchen and entertainment space, as well as a lounge, an office space, a yoga studio, a kids room and a teens room. There is also an outdoor entertainment space with barbeque and a rooftop patio. The bike room has shared tools and there is also a fully equipped workshop where community members  built the numerous planter boxes that produce food for the communal meals. More food is grown in two greenhouses and there is also a generous vegetable garden. 

Although frequent social contact is the most obvious way in which members can benefit from the cohousing model in terms of dementia prevention, depression is another risk factor that could be significantly mitigated, along with physical inactivity. In fact if you were looking for a silver bullet in terms of dementia prevention, it’s hard to think of a better candidate than cohousing.

Click here to learn more about Vancouver Cohousing.