Bridging the Gap: Ending Isolation in Nursing Homes

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When we think of nursing homes, we don't typically see much interaction between the elderly and the younger generation. A nursing home facility in Helsinki, Finland is looking to change that. This ingenious idea combats two big issues in the area, youth homelessness and also the loneliness problem in the elderly. Given the expensive cost of rent and rapid population growth in Helsinki, it has become harder for university students to find means of living. 

Homes That Fit, pairs millennials and seniors together in a nursing home, and allows for discounted apartments in the home, in exchange for socializing with the elderly. Emil Bostrom states, "The application process was quite long, because there was, I think, a bit over 300 applicants" for the program. This was a great opportunity for Emil because he was homeless. Socializing between these two groups can get rid of stereotypes such as "young people have no interest in talking to elderly" and also help different generations to connect better in terms of interests and especially social lives. According to Miki Mielonen, a representative of Helsinki City's youth department, "Already I know that there are so many young people who really want to be with old people. As for the old people, they have lots of experience and lots to give but their social lives are not too active any more."

In looking at this program, one can see that there will be people who agree and disagree with what they are trying to do. However, similar programs exist over the world, such as in the Netherlands, and even as close as Seattle, WA.


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