Leuven resident Marleen Demuynck, 79, has chosen to move into senior cohousing, describing it as “like a small street where everyone knows everyone,” according to a report in De Standaard on March 7, 2026.
Demuynck, who raised her three children in communal living arrangements, opted for the “seniorproof” housing, which she also described as affordable and conveniently located near the city center. Her experience reflects a growing, though still nascent, trend in Flanders towards cohousing for seniors, a model more established in neighboring countries.
The appeal of senior cohousing lies in its emphasis on resident autonomy and mutual support. Unlike traditional assisted living facilities, residents maintain control over their living arrangements and benefit from a built-in community network. This model addresses a broader societal shift, as seniors increasingly delay moving into traditional care homes, seeking alternatives that prioritize independence and social connection.
While cohousing is gaining traction, it is not without its challenges. A report from May 2024 in Gazet van Antwerpen highlighted that over a quarter of individuals aged 65 and older in the province of Antwerp live alone – approximately 110,000 people – suggesting a significant need for alternative housing solutions. However, existing legislation has not kept pace with the development of these new social housing forms, including cohousing, klushuizen (renovation houses), and shared student housing for seniors.
Several cohousing projects are already underway in Flanders and Brussels, offering diverse models. Examples include Abbeyfield-De Notenkraker in Leuven, featuring thirteen apartments with a communal garden, and Brutopia in Vorst, a cohousing project for 29 families in a passive apartment complex. The city of Ghent is also investing in cohousing, with a 1 million euro allocation from the Flemish government towards the renovation of a former Carmelite monastery into 24 senior cohousing units, ensuring the preservation of its heritage and opening its doors to the surrounding community, as reported by VRT NWS in November 2022.
The concept of senior cohousing is also gaining international recognition. According to SeniorLiving.org, senior cohousing is designed to foster a strong communal bond, offering private homes alongside shared spaces. The organization notes that the model is particularly appealing to active seniors seeking to maintain social connections and combat feelings of isolation, and that options exist to cater to the LGBTQ+ community.
The Cohousing Association of the US reports that senior cohousing is rapidly growing in popularity as baby boomers seek ways to thrive in later life, emphasizing the benefits of mutual support, shared meals, and common spaces within a close-knit community of individuals aged 55, and over.
