Bridging generations: how one nursing home is tackling loneliness by pairing seniors with students
MENTAL HEALTH
As loneliness looms over our elderly population, an innovative initiative at a Dutch retirement home is bridging the gap between generations, offering solutions for both the elderly and university students
Image: MART PRODUCTION/pexels
When we think of nursing homes, we often picture quiet halls, a subdued atmosphere, and a world separated from the bustling lives of younger generations.
As we grow older, we inevitably face the cycle of life loss, change, and, for many, the harsh reality of becoming invisible. It's something often felt but rarely talked about. You may walk down a street, pass by people, and notice that no one makes eye contact or offers a simple smile. It's as if you no longer exist in their world.
Loneliness and isolation in the elderly aren’t just emotional struggles. They’re silent threats to well-being. As people grow older, they lose loved ones, their social circles shrink, and their roles in society shift.
Retirement, empty nests, and health issues all of these changes can lead to feeling alone, forgotten, and disconnected.
According to global studies, isolation is linked to higher rates of depression, cognitive decline, and even heart disease. And yet, we don’t talk about it enough.
As people grow older, they lose loved ones, their social circles shrink, and their roles in society shift.
Image: omar alnahi /pexels
However, a groundbreaking initiative in the Netherlands is redefining this narrative.
The Humanitas retirement home in Deventer has created an innovative solution to tackle loneliness among the elderly while offering university students a unique living arrangement, rent-free apartments in exchange for companionship.
This intergenerational exchange began when Humanitas director Gea Sijpkes received a request from Onno Selbach, a student frustrated by the poor quality of school housing. Together, they designed a program that not only solved the student housing crisis but also addressed the emotional needs of seniors.
Research by the National Academy of Sciences (2012) found that social isolation and loneliness are linked to increased mortality in both older men and women. The effects of loneliness on health are comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day, according to a study by Brigham Young University.
“The students bring the outside world in, there is lots of warmth in the contact,” Sijpkes told PBS NewsHour.
For older adults, especially those in nursing homes, the loss of close family and friends, combined with reduced mobility, can create a perfect storm of isolation. Human beings are social creatures; we thrive on connection. Without it, our mental, emotional, and even physical health suffers.
The Humanitas nursing home in Deventer offers six rent-free apartments to university students from local institutions like Saxion and Windesheim. In exchange, students commit to spending at least 30 hours per month with the elderly residents.
Whether it’s watching a soccer match, celebrating a birthday, or simply sitting down for a chat, the students act as “good neighbours,” bringing warmth and life into the home.
The elderly residents of Humanitas benefit immensely from the students' presence. Companionship helps alleviate feelings of loneliness and disconnectedness. Studies show that regular social interaction can slow cognitive decline and improve mental health.
Studies show that regular social interaction can slow cognitive decline and improve mental health.
Image: Cottonbro studios/pexels
Additionally, having younger people around creates a sense of vibrancy. Students share stories about their studies, hobbies, and lives, exposing seniors to new ideas and perspectives. It’s a reminder that they’re still connected to the broader world, even within the walls of the nursing home.
For the students, the benefits go far beyond saving money on rent. Living alongside seniors offers valuable life lessons and a deeper understanding of humanity. They learn about resilience, history, and the wisdom that comes with age.
Moreover, students experience the joy of giving back. Many find their relationships with the elderly residents to be profoundly meaningful, often describing the experience as life-changing.
The model could easily be replicated in other parts of the world, addressing two pressing issues simultaneously: the loneliness epidemic among seniors and the housing challenges faced by young people. It’s a win-win solution that bridges generational gaps and creates a stronger, more inclusive society.
Humanitas is just one example of how intergenerational living can transform lives. Similar programs are popping up around the globe.
In the US, the Judson Manor retirement community in Cleveland offers free housing to music students in exchange for performances for their elderly neighbours. In Spain, “Together Apart” matches seniors with university students for weekly phone conversations.
The Humanitas nursing home’s program is a testament to the power of connection.
By bringing generations together, they’ve created a community where everyone thrives. Seniors regain a sense of purpose and belonging, while students gain wisdom and a deeper understanding of life.