January 2024
The oldest of baby boomers are turning 75.
Previous generations cared for their older members in the same household and under the same roof. That roof may have been a single-family dwelling, possibly with separate living quarters, or a townhome with multiple units. As parents age, home renovations may have been necessary. Keeping parents at home for as long as possible required that other family members contribute to cleaning, cooking and other chores. Younger and older family members developed stronger bonds.
Since the 1960s and as children got older, it was less likely they would remain at home. Some went to school and lived independently. Others moved away. Many choose to have fewer children or none at all. Others live without getting married or having a partner.
This creates difficulty for older and younger generations who have nowhere to turn when they require support. There are no family members to lean on. Who can I count on? Will someone need to count on me?
High-rise living offers a popular solution.
Today, generations of family live in separate units under a single roof in the same high-rise building. Everyone has separate living quarters while sharing common areas, visiting and cooking for each other, and easy access to render or obtain assistance. Dinner is more easily prepared in one home and eaten in another. When the evening ends, everyone returns to their home via elevator to sleep or relax. Those bonds between younger and older family members can be retained without the frustrations of generations sharing the same residence.
High-rise living makes it easier for younger generations to live independently and in close proximity to family they can assist or who can provide assistance.
