FREDERICTON — The Ville introduced Rachel de Molitor to Patricia des Champs back in February. On June 1st they moved in together.
They are the first match for The Ville’s intergenerational living New Brunswick project, or iGenNB for short. In iGen, a younger adult (20 to 35) lives with an older adult (55 and up).
“[The goal] is to enhance the quality of life of older adults and also to have them age in place,” said Olubukola Abiola, the project manager for iGen.
Ageing in place means that seniors wouldn’t have to leave their homes as soon as they need extra care. For younger adults, iGen means affordable housing and mentorship. In exchange for companionship and household help, they get a lowered rent.
“The way the real estate market is going now it looks like affordable housing is becoming [harder to find],” said Abiola.
In a city of rising rent prices, projects like this offer another option for young adults and students.
“The project is of mutual benefit to the older and younger adults,” said Abiola.
RELATED: iGenNB Bringing Intergenerational Living to Fredericton
After de Molito and des Champs first met virtually, they started chatting online. When Covid restrictions eased, they met each other in person.
“They get on really really well, it’s really exciting to speak with them,” said Anita Newling, the project coordinator of the program. Newling is responsible for taking applications and is the first point of contact for candidates of the program.
IGen is a pilot project in New Brunswick funded by organizations like Healthy Seniors and Silvermark. It has the potential not only to help Fredericton but the wider community of New Brunswick.
“Eventually, when older adults are able to age in place that will reduce the strain on the New Brunswich health and social services,” said Abiola.
This kind of sustainable model of home-sharing looks new to New Brunswick but it has been around in other places as far back as the 18th century. More recently, it has been working in European countries like the Netherlands.
“A project like this is of immense benefit to the society, to the community,” said Abiola.
The companionship offered in iGen addresses the social isolation often felt in both older and younger individuals.
“With the first match we have made I just want everyone to know that this works,” said Abiola. “They are so excited about living together and sharing things together.”
The Ville is currently looking for more applications for iGen participants. They have subject matter experts available for participants deciding if iGen living is the right choice for them.
“If anyone is interested in knowing more about intergenerational home-sharing visit our website and our social media pages,” said Abiola.
For all members of the community, every Tuesday for the month of July iGen is hosting Culinary Connections, free online multigenerational cooking classes.
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Rachel Smith is a summer intern for Huddle. Send her story suggestions: [email protected]
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