In the Netherlands, France, Spain, and parts of the United States a new housing option has arrived for students who attend college. Rather than living in university housing students now have the option to live in nursing homes free of rent charge. The only requirement is that students who live in nursing homes have to spend 30 hours each month with the elderly patients. The purpose is to bring the youth and elderly together to help fight depression and loneliness in the elderly.
A young man who was the first to accept living at the nursing home believes it benefits both sides. Staff were supportive of the idea as they saw changes in the nursing home patients over time as the students interacted with them. The elderly provide wisdom and knowledge to youth; and, youth bring in the outside world and great new company for the elderly. For more, read the story.
