Feeling of loneliness in the elderly, possible buffering effect of the “cohousing” model

The present study investigated loneliness among adults aged 60-75 in Veneto, and explored their attitudes toward cohousing, which has been increasingly considered as a potential solution to social isolation the elderly in other countries. The research aimed at understanding the profile of lonely individuals and assess the appeal of cohousing as an alternative living arrangement. The study was conducted specifically on the Veneto population, because it presents alarming data on an aging population, loneliness, and suicide risk, which are central to the present analysis. An online survey was administered to 487 participants (353 females, 133 males and 1 non specified) with mean age of 66.32 years old (SD= 4.20), exploring sociodemographic characteristics, utilizing the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (JGLS) and ad-hoc questions regarding cohousing. The quali-quantitative analysis focused on the relationships between sociodemographic data, perceived loneliness, health status, and interest in cohousing. Results indicated that lonely individuals' characteristics aligned with established risk factors from the literature, including lower socioeconomic status, poor self-rated health, and functional decline. While interest in cohousing was considerable (49.5% interested, 40.5% unsure), the study found no statistically significant difference (p=0.076) in this desire between lonely (46.2%) and non-lonely (51.7%) groups. As expected, qualitative data showed that the attitude toward cohousing is complex. While participants expressed a desire for community, this was moderated by significant concerns about maintaining their autonomy, privacy, and managing potential interpersonal conflicts. The findings suggest that cohousing is not viewed simply as a solution for loneliness but is weighed against deeply held values of independence. For cohousing to be a viable option for the Veneto population, future initiatives must address these concerns through education and thoughtful community design that balance social connection with personal freedom.