The regional parliament began this morning the discussion of a draft resolution presented by the PS-Madeira that recommends to the Regional Government the “implementation of the senior collaborative housing model in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.”
Isabel Garcês, who presented the proposal, defends diversification of the responses to active ageing and called for a pilot project in this new complementary model, which focuses on sustainability, accessibility, technical monitoring and continuous evaluation, aiming to promote autonomy, social integration and a better quality of life for the Region’s senior citizens.”
In the opinion of the socialist deputy, “reality demands its public policies that promote not only assistance but also autonomy, active ageing, social participation and quality of life of seniors.” She then added that the data from the Region reveal that more than 12 thousand elderly people live alone and more than 11 thousand have mobility limitations, which reinforces the need for adequate social and housing solutions, safe and inclusive facilities, capable of combating loneliness and isolation.
Isabel Garcês explained that the concept of co-housing, or collaborative housing, began in the 1970s in Denmark and spread worldwide, attracting both young people and seniors. Mixed co-housing models offer added value for younger people through shared living and experiences, helping to cut costs at the start of independent life. For older adults, it’s the companionship that helps reduce the isolation often felt at this stage of life. All co-housing or collaborative housing models must include communal spaces, which can be a room, a patio, or a living room.
“Scientific evidence demonstrates clear benefits in the Collaborative Housing Model for the Elderly in reducing loneliness, improving physical and mental health, sustainability and energy efficiency, as well as in the reduction of health care costs,” she argues.
The socialist parliamentarian explained that the Senior Collaborative Housing model is a regulated social housing initiative in Portugal, designed to respect each person’s pace of life and routines, and distinct from the environment and dynamics of residential institutions, nursing homes, and day care centres. In mainland Portugal, 22 projects have already been approved, supported by 22 million euros from the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), to develop collaborative and community housing as a solution to the housing crisis, the shortage of social support, and to encourage sustainable community living. For its implementation, it is essential to identify and form partnerships with municipalities, IPSS, Misericórdias, Social Solidarity Cooperatives, Foundations, and other non-profit organisations.
“Isabel Garcês lamented that, despite the Autonomous Region of Madeira receiving funds from the Recovery and Resilience Plan, not a single cent has been allocated to housing projects.
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