Intergenerational spaces: designing for living together
According to Spain’s National Statistics Institute, people aged over 64 already account for 20.7% of the Spanish population and, if current trends continue, this figure could exceed 30% by 2076. Faced with this demographic shift, one question arises: are our spaces ready for an increasingly long-lived society?
Intergenerational spaces offer a different approach to living and care. Co-living developments, care homes, community spaces, hospitals and new models of shared living can become places where people of different ages come together, share experiences and take part in community life.
Active ageing means continuing to be part of something
Active ageing means retaining the ability to make choices, participate and connect with others. Older people want to remain part of the community, share activities and maintain relationships with other generations.
A communal table, a reading area or a small conversation corner can encourage spontaneous encounters between people of different ages. The aim is not to force interaction, but to create opportunities for it to happen naturally.
Furniture that brings people together
Furniture helps define how each space is used and shared. The UNNA bench makes it possible to create more welcoming waiting and meeting areas, while DUNCAN creates comfortable corners for conversation, reading or resting without becoming disconnected from communal activity.
In areas designed for socialising and activities, ERIC tables provide a practical focal point for meeting and gathering. Meanwhile, LINA, with its removable armrest, provides easier access and enables people with different needs to share the same environment comfortably.
At Seniorcare, we design solutions that create spaces for wellbeing, open to every generation. Because designing for active ageing also means providing opportunities to continue participating, sharing and being part of the community.
