Roommate Matching in the Age of Coronavirus

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Deciding to make a change to your living situation is a big deal. It’s an even bigger deal during a pandemic.  Having a new roommate means navigating all of the normal subjects, with the addition of COVID-19 exposure. Those get-to-know-you conversations now include things like social distancing habits, group gathering expectations, and more.

Like many, Odd Couples Housing is adapting to a world with COVID-19. We modified our match meetings and created resources for our Seekers and Homeowners. We know that it’s never been more important to have a safe and comfortable place to call home. So, amidst all the changes, we have been thrilled to continue to make roommate matches!

After the start of the pandemic, some of our Seekers and Homeowners chose to put their housing searches on a temporary hold.  Others were eager to start their homesharing journey and opted to forge ahead with their search, while taking precautions to keep themselves and their match as safe as possible.

Meet a Roommate Match

Betsy is one Homeowner who joined Odd Couples Housing during the pandemic. She signed up in August 2020 and was excited to find a housing match. She had students live with her in the past and wanted to open her home to help others, especially during these unprecedented times. Living alone, Betsy missed having company around the house, especially since her other social activities were limited. She says, “I really like having the sounds of someone else’s footsteps in the home…I just find it comforting. It’s really nice, especially as we go into the winter with COVID.”

Ndina, a Seeker who signed up around the same time as Betsy, was looking for “a change of scenery and a change of pace” from her living situation. As an international student, affordability was important to her and when she learned about Odd Couples Housing, she was immediately interested. “I like the idea that it wasn’t rent. You get to stay in a home, you get to meet someone, and I thought that was great,” Ndina remembers.

Coronavirus Concerns

Betsy and Ndina matched on the Odd Couples Housing website and when they met, the two connected right away. Both felt excited to finalize the details of their arrangement and start living together, but they wanted to be as safe as possible. Betsy recalls, “I was cautious, and I requested that both of us get COVID tested before I would let her move in.” Ndina was relieved that Betsy had brought up the topic that was on both of their minds, “I appreciated that [she] thought of it and communicated that to me so I didn’t have to wonder, should I get a test? Is she being safe?”

In addition to testing, Betsy and Ndina also set clear expectations about their needs and preferences when it came to COVID-19 safety. Now that the pair is living together, they are upfront about any concerns they have and openly communicate about their activities. “We discussed a lot, where are you going? Who are you around? I think our values are aligned on that,” Betsy shares. Ndina agrees, “We are both being sensitive and trying to be safe.”

A Promising Pair

Betsy and Ndina are having a great time getting to know each other and we couldn’t be happier for them! The two enjoy watching movies and running errands together and support each other around the house. And Betsy is thrilled that Ndina doesn’t mind taking out the trash, which is her least favorite chore! Despite the pandemic, the two found safe ways to connect and establish a happy life together.

They are a great example of a roommate pair that is communicating clearly and watching out for each other. As Betsy says, “We can’t control the whole world but I think we’re both doing everything we can to make sure we stay safe.”

Odd Couples Housing encourages all roommate pairs to have open conversations about their coronavirus related concerns and preferences and stay informed about COVID-related health guidance. For COVID-19 considerations for roommates, click here. You may also be interested in these resources specifically for Homeowners and college students.

 

 

Extra Housing Help For AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteers

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Odd Couples Housing announced a partnership with AmeriCorps VISTA — Mission: St. Louis to launch a housing subsidy program for VISTA volunteers affiliated with the organization. AmeriCorps VISTA — Mission: St. Louis seeks to alleviate poverty across Missouri by creating systemic change and providing direct services that improve the well-being of the poor and disenfranchised, particularly children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

Read more

5 Suggestions for Roommates in a Pandemic

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The last several months have brought enormous changes to the way we work, study, shop, travel and live. Whether we live alone or with a roommate, many of the mainstays of our lives have transformed during this pandemic. Despite these changes, one thing remains the same: we all want a safe, comfortable place to call home at the end of the day.

If you’re sheltering-in-place with a roommate, it’s likely that you’ve found yourself spending more time together—and perhaps depending on each other a little more these days. We know that many of the considerations related to COVID-19 are uncharted territory for roommates, so we compiled a few tips to help you and your roommate get on the same page and to serve as a reminder that we’re all in this together!

Whether you and your roommate have an established relationship, or you’re just getting to know each other, these helpful hints can help make sure you’re both looking out for each other.

1. Stay informed

Some guidelines are changing rapidly, but there are some great sources of evidence-based information out there! Regularly check your local and state policies on business openings, gatherings, and mask-wearing. Statewide information can be found on Missouri’s Department of Health and Senior Services website.  Check out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendations for general physical and mental health information. When you find a trusted news source, bookmark it on your computer or follow them on social media, so it’s easy to check back later.

2. Make time for COVID-19 conversations

When it comes to the coronavirus prevention, it’s important for you and your roommate to be on the same page. Set aside time to sit down together and talk about your shared preferences and concerns. If you have a new roommate moving in, arrange for a phone call before they move in to talk about what you both are comfortable with. It’s always easier to set guidelines on the front end!

You might want to consider discussing cleaning/disinfecting schedules, social distancing, and special precautions if one of you is an essential worker or in a vulnerable group. Since you’re both probably spending more time at home than usual, it’s also worth discussing expectations around privacy or personal time. If you or your roommate is working from home, check out this blog for additional tips!

It might feel strange to talk in detail about your plan for grocery shopping or watching TV, but it’s important for the health of your roommate relationship that both of you understand each other’s concerns and agree on certain arrangements.

3. Follow precautions

There is no vaccine for COVID-19, so the best way we can prevent illness is by preventing exposure. You’ve probably seen these tips before, but we think they’re worth sharing again!

  • Wash (or sanitize) your hands often
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and face
  • As much as possible, try to avoid close contact with other people you do not live with (6 feet rule)
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with an elbow, tissue or mask
  • Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces (think doorknobs, light switches, cell phones, faucets, desks, counters, etc.)

4. Plan ahead

We hope that both you and your roommate stay safe and healthy, but it’s important to have a game plan in the event that one of you does contract COVID-19. We recommend exchanging emergency contact information with your roommate and saving it in an easily accessible place. This is also a good opportunity for both of you to make sure you have copies of health insurance information, primary care physician contact info, and medication and allergy information on hand.

If you are a caregiver for a friend, relative, or pet, make a back-up plan for their care, just in case.

5. Enjoy each other’s company

While there are some important considerations to have in mind when living with another person, don’t forget that you can be great supports for each other, too! Ask how your roommate is doing, and genuinely listen to their answer. Have some fun together by finding activities you both enjoy or striking up an interesting conversation. Take advantage of the opportunity to get to know each other better and explore shared interests.

Summary

Without a doubt, these are challenging times. But, with some careful planning and a little empathy, you and your roommate can be set up for success!

We know there’s a lot of uncertainty right now and if you’re feeling easily overwhelmed, know that you’re not alone. Don’t forget to take care of yourself by checking in with loved ones, getting exercise, and doing activities you enjoy. A few weeks ago, we shared a few stories of people across generations supporting each other and having fun, which brightened our day. We hope it brightens yours, too!

Preparing Your Home for Your New Roommate

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Many of us have spent the last several weeks quarantining at home. If you’re sick of watching TV, baking bread or video chatting, we recommend using your time at home to start your spring cleaning! It’s the perfect time of year to open up your windows and do a deep clean of your house. Plus, if you’re considering opening up your home to a new roommate, now might be the perfect time to prepare your space! We’ve heard from several of our homeowners that a new roommate moving in was the excuse they needed to finally tackle household projects they’d been putting off! If you do have a new housemate moving in, check out these tips on how set you and your roommate up for success!

Whether you’re cleaning out a room to make space for a new housemate, or simply reorganizing your home, today we’re sharing some helpful cleaning tips that will leave your home sparkling!

Make a Schedule

First, consider your goals and your timeline. Your approach will be different if you’re hoping to declutter the garage by the end of the summer versus needing to have the guest bedroom ready to go by your new housemate’s move-in day. Start by establishing your goals, surveying the space you want to clean and jotting down a to-do list. Make a game plan and stick to it!

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by a room in your house, start small. For example, focus on cleaning out the kitchen cupboards first, then work your way up to the whole kitchen.

Not sure where to start? This Room by Room Checklist gives guidance on how to approach each space in your home.

Inventory your Cleaning Supplies

Take a peek at the cleaning supplies you have on hand and safely dispose of anything that’s expired or empty. Re-stock what you need, but there’s no need to go overboard. Although you can find a cleaning product for everything, to save yourself money and a headache, consider a trusted all-purpose cleaner. However, be careful on surfaces like wood or marble, which may need specialized products. If you have sensitivities or allergies, be conscious of any irritants your cleaners may contain. You also may want to consider buying (or making) environmentally-friendly, chemical-free cleaning products.

Before you start cleaning a space, make sure your supplies are easily accessible!

Be Systematic

Once you start cleaning, make a step-by-step process for yourself. If you’re cleaning your full house, go room by room. If you’re working on one room, break it down into smaller, more manageable sections (remember the kitchen cupboards?).

Once you determine your area of focus (a room, garage, or closet, for example), start by organizing clutter. Make piles of what you will keep, store, donate, or throw away. Once things are sorted, you can deep clean. Work from top to bottom to avoid having to clean again since dislodged dust or debris can fall on furniture or the floor.

Don’t shy aware from those particularly intimidating spots, like junk drawers and ceiling fans.

Ask for Help

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by tasks—or the physical demands associated with major cleaning endeavors—ask for help! If you live with other people, make sure they’re involved as much as possible. Live alone? Ask a friend or family member to lend a hand or keep you company while you’re working. Take breaks as needed.

Plan Ahead

As you make progress, it can be useful to pay attention to where the messiest areas in your house are. Once you know your problem areas, you can brainstorm ways to prevent mess from accumulating moving forward. Use this 4-Step Process to assess sources of mess and problem solve.

When you’re done, take a moment to celebrate your progress–you’ve worked hard to organize your space in a way you like! Now, you might consider how you can keep it that way. This is also a great opportunity to make some new cleaning habits for yourself. Even setting aside just a few minutes every few days to tidy up can make a difference! What small things can you do to keep your space clutter-free and clean in the future?

Good Luck!

Don’t be intimidated–you’ve got this! Keep your enthusiasm high by listening to your favorite music and celebrating the progress you’ve made. Most importantly, make time to enjoy your new, organized space!

If you’re preparing your space for a new housemate, remember that in the future, you’ll have an extra set of hands to help with some of these household projects!

How Two Generations Facing Loneliness & High Housing Costs Became Housemates

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Before Yuki, an international college student, returned home to Japan due to the coronavirus outbreak, she and Amy (a physician) had been happily living together in Amy’s University City home for months. Despite their age difference, Amy and Yuki enjoyed each other’s company and bonded over their love of Amy’s cats. They both appreciate the financial benefits of home-sharing, but that’s not their main motivation for participating in Odd Couples Housing. They agree that the main advantage of living together is feeling more connected and less lonely. 

Amy and Yuki were among the people interviewed last week on Saint Louis Public Radio (NPR) by host Sarah Fenske. Last Tuesday’s St. Louis on the Air episode also featured Odd Couples Housing Co-Founder, John Levis, and Director, Brian Carpenter who discussed the company’s mission and how we work. Tune in to hear the interviews!

Pandemic Housemates

Like Amy and Yuki, many of our homeowners and their roommates are glad to have companionship while sheltering-at-home. We’ve stayed in touch with our matches during this difficult time, and are happy to report that all is well. We especially enjoyed hearing from the daughter of one of our longest-standing matches who told us that having a younger person living with her mom has given her considerable peace of mind. She said, “especially during the pandemic, it has been such a gift to have them there. The Odd Couples Housing program has been a lifesaver and a true blessing for our family!”

We’re happy that our roommate matches are able to support each other right now. Who are your biggest supports during this time? How do you stay connected with them? Take time to check in with your friends and family, seek things out that make you smile, and find ways to keep your mind and body active. 

Whether you live with housemates, family members, or by yourself, you’re probably adjusting to increased time at home. Limiting social time and activities can be hard. But, it can also create time to think about what you’re grateful for, reconnect with loved ones, and plan for the future. We don’t know what life might look like in the coming months, but we have a feeling that we won’t be taking our social connections for granted! 

Did You Enjoy Hearing Yuki & Amy On The Radio?

If you enjoyed hearing Yuki and Amy’s story, we recommend tuning into this episode of The Mark Reardon Show. Earlier this year, another Odd Couples Housing match (Erika and Diane) shared their experience as roommates on the air. Start at 9:25. 

If the home-sharing situation might be a good fit for you–-now or in the future–-please sign up on our website.

Intergenerational Camaraderie in Challenging Times

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Lately, much of the media coverage around the coronavirus seems to pit generations against each other. While it may be tempting to point fingers or get swept up in these stories of millenials vs. boomers, old vs. young or us vs. them, these lines of thinking aren’t accurate or constructive. And, they make it difficult to bring generations together to do productive things like problem-solve and provide mutual support.

The coronavirus affects all of us, regardless of age, and now is an important time to come together.

At Odd Couples Housing, nothing makes us smile more than people in different life stages teaming up to support each other. It’s what inspires us and our roommate matches! We’ve spoken to a few of our matches this week, and they’ve been happy to have some company while sheltering in place at home. Hearing from them was a bright spot in our week!

What are the bright spots in your week? How are you keeping your spirits up?  If you need to hear some good news, we have some inspiring stories about people of all ages stepping up to help their community and cheer up their loved ones!

  1. Feeling antsy inside your house? Check out this young girl and her grandfather enjoying a socially-distant dance competition.
  1. Jayde Powell, a college student in Nevada, saw a gap in access to grocery delivery services among elderly residents in her community. She devised a plan to meet their needs. Danny Goldberg, a California high-schooler, had a similar idea and created an online platform where older adults can send their grocery orders to a volunteer delivery team.

  1. Celebrating special occasions can be hard when we can’t be physically together. Despite the distance, this family was able to celebrate their grandma’s 100th birthday!
  1. Dr. Jane Bedell had only been retired a few weeks when the coronavirus pandemic reached New York. Since then, she has put her plans to travel, and visit family on hold and is preparing to go back to work. She is one of the thousands of retired healthcare workers returning to the workforce to combat Covid-19.

  1. These 91 year-old twin sisters are quarantining together in their San Diego apartment–and finding ways to have some fun! Check out the daily pep rally they host for their retirement community from their balcony.

  1. Ali Jaffe is self-quarantining in New York and her grandma, Roslyn, is doing the same in Florida. But that’s not stopping Ali from learning her grandma’s favorite recipes–which are full of surprises–virtually! Listen to Ali and Roslyn’s story here.

Although we’re in complicated and challenging times, we are inspired by people coming together across generations to support each other. We hope you stay safe and healthy, and we’ll be on the look out for other good stories to share.

Coronavirus and Older Adults: What Resources Are Available

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Like many companies that work with older adults and college students in America, we’ve been watching the coronavirus situation as it evolves. We understand that COVID-19 could have vast impacts and we are taking current circumstances seriously. We are paying particular attention to the ways COVID-19 could affect the people we most often work with: students and senior communities.

You probably know that many colleges and universities have closed due to COVID-19. As you might imagine, this created a challenging situation for many students. In a previous blog, we highlighted some go-to resources specifically for college students. The main concern is that many students–especially international students–were asked to leave their on-campus housing and don’t have a place to go. Times of crisis remind us of just how critical it is to support one another during challenging periods. For this reason, we are so impressed by several of our homeowners who stepped up to help by offering rooms in their homes for displaced students. Thank you! 

At Odd Couples Housing, we do our best to put older generations and students at the heart of everything we do. Because of this, we want to make sure you are staying up to date on news about coronavirus. When it comes to the coronavirus, things have been changing quickly, and we want to make sure you are aware of your resources and prepared, in case it touches your community. Moreover, we want to share some coronavirus-related initiatives and a few tips to help you stay connected.

First and most importantly, please be sure to follow reliable sources that have up-to-date guidance such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) just to mention a few. We also encourage you to vigilantly follow guidelines from public health officials and to continue to monitor news from local authorities. A lot of experts are sharing information about COVID-19, so be sure to read their tips and advice on how people can protect themselves.

Secondly, we recommend that you consider using social media. Whether you’re a regular user or new to social media platforms, now is a great time to engage online. There are a lot of helpful social media platforms that have brought different groups of people together. You might try a Facebook group or app. Some pages and groups were created with the intention of sharing news updates, some are helping educate people, and some just want to connect people for socializing purposes. There are also pages that focus on local volunteer opportunities that you could use to both provide and receive support.

One great Facebook group matches people wanting to help others with those needing help during the coronavirus pandemic.  Although the page cannot guarantee that everyone’s needs will be met, it has “brought people together as a community and hopes that this allows positive things to happen.” Anyone needing help can fill out this form. 

Thirdly, since older adults have an increased risk of having serious COVID-19 related health concerns, (and some areas have stay-at-home orders) many people are concerned about going to the pharmacy to get medication. Thankfully, Walgreens and CVS have offered to deliver people’s prescriptions or complete essential online order with no delivery fee. Read more here. Furthermore, the two pharmacies mentioned above and Walmart will also loan their space for coronavirus tests.

Last but not least, it is understandable that those most at risk of contracting COVID-19 would be cautious about entering public spaces during this time. This makes it difficult to complete daily tasks, like buying food. Thankfully, many grocery store chains and other retailers have delivery options. Others are also setting aside certain hours exclusively for older adults to shop. The stores offering these special hours include Whole Foods, Target, Schnucks, and Dollar General, just to mention a few.

Lastly, here are just a few more resources for seniors in the  St.Louis area who might need meals, transportation, and any other help. If you need food but can’t afford it contact St.Louis Food Bank and St. Louis Area Agency on Aging. The St. Louis Area Agency on Aging does not just deliver meals but also provides transportation like Aging Ahead.

We also encourage you to take care of yourself and don’t become too isolated. Call a family member, email an old friend, or learn to text or video chat to stay in touch! Try to keep to your normal routine as much as possible, even if your activities have changed. This means keeping up with your usual wake-up, sleep, and mealtime routines. Also, challenge yourself to do some kind of movement every day. Staying connected, engaged and active can help you adjust to the many changes happening in the world.

In conclusion, we want you to know that there are resources available to support you during this challenging time. It is a weird time for all of us, but we are confident that we will get through this together! Our thoughts are with all of you and we hope you’re safe and healthy. Take care of yourselves and each other, and please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

COVID-19 and College Students: Your Go-To Resources

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Over the past week, we’ve seen significant changes in our day-to-day lives as a result of COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus. In our previous blog, we shared some information to help you learn and track COVID-19 cases. Today, we want to share some go-to resources specifically for college students.

Because Odd Couples Housing works with students, we’ve been thinking about the many young people whose lives and studies have been disrupted by the pandemic. This is no normal semester for many students. Colleges and universities across the country terminated study abroad programs, moved classes online, extended spring break, and in some cases, asked students not to return to campus. For many, this is a stressful time—financially, socially, and emotionally.

Because of this, we want to share some resources to make your life a little easier as you adjust to off-campus learning.

Stay in touch with your university!

First, remember that just because you don’t have a physical presence on campus doesn’t mean you shouldn’t stay connected. Check your email, be in touch with your academic advisor, student affairs and other university staff and join Facebook groups to stay in the loop. Your university might be able to offer options for financial aid and work-study, campus resources that might be available to you, and handling extenuating circumstances. Your university connections are a great place to start if you need extra support!

Storage Resources

Also, if you need a place to store your things while you’re in between campus and home, contact U-Haul. U-Haul is offering 30 days of free storage to college students who are displaced due to the virus.

Transportation Resources

Is transportation a stressor? If you’re going home and want to avoid trains, planes, and buses, consider Enterprise Car Rental. Enterprise is reducing the minimum age for car rental and waiving young renter fees for students through 5/31/2020.

Medication Resources

If you left medication in a dorm room you can no longer access, or if you’re uncomfortable going to the pharmacy to pick up medicine, there are affordable delivery options. CVS and Walgreens are both offering free prescription delivery.

Technological Resources

Importantly, we know that not all students who will be taking online classes have reliable internet connections off-campus. Many phone and internet companies are offering accommodations for people affected by the virus. These benefits include waived late fees, access to WiFi and hotspots, and suspending service termination for those impacted by COVID-19.

In short, we know it’s stressful to make a mid-semester change or be uncertain about your educational future. It’s natural to feel anxious during times of unpredictability and transition. Because of this, we recommend you take care of yourself as you settle into your semester. Facetime a friend, experiment with a new recipe, read a book you’ve had on your list, or try some of these strategies to help you cope!

Do you have any tips or tricks for students acclimating to a new kind of semester? Odd Couples Housing wants to hear from you—please share below!

Stay Up-To-Date With Coronavirus Updates

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By now, you have probably heard about the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the virus that was first reported from Wuhan, China, on December 31st, 2019. According to the World Health Organization, as of March 5th, there have been more than 92,000 confirmed cases in dozens of countries and over 3,000 deaths. Countries across the globe are attempting to stop the spread of the coronavirus through quarantine and other public health interventions.

There are many fears and myths surrounding the coronavirus. Because Odd Couples Housing works with seniors and students from other countries, I thought it would be a good idea to share some reliable sources where you can educate yourself on COVID-19 and get live updates on what’s happening around the world.

World Health Organization

There is a significant amount of information about the COVID-19 outbreak on the World Health Organization website. The website also provides travel advice, guidance on protecting yourself, situation reports, and media resources that can be useful. In addition, the WHO website provides live updates on the virus. I recommend bookmarking and visiting this page for daily updates.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

If you are traveling or thinking of taking a trip, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) page has vital information about COVID-19 for travelers and travel-related industries. Learn more about how the CDC is responding to the coronavirus outbreak on their website. According to the website, they will share guidance and up-to-date information as it becomes available.

The Wall Street Journal

You might have many questions about the outbreak. Should I cancel my trip because of the coronavirus? Is there anything extra I should pack? How should I prepare my home and family? Are there other precautions I should take? The list goes on. Like most sites, the Wall Street Journal gives live updates on the outbreak. They also have a Q&A page for people worried about traveling right now and also it gives guidance on how to stay safe, what to avoid, and more.

The WorldoMeters

Another important page to pay attention to is Worldometer. In addition to reporting about coronavirus news, the site is also tracking the number of confirmed cases, recovered patients, and death toll by country.  What I like about this page is that it has live statistics. Below is a screenshot showcasing the number of cases as of March 3rd.

The New York Times

Another resource I’ve been looking at that might be interesting and I thought I should share with you is the New York Times. The New York Times has these interactive Coronavirus maps that are tracking the spread of the outbreak. As of today, the map shows, the disease has been detected in at least 83 countries which is twice as much it was two days ago. Below is a screenshot from Johns Hopkins University that the New York Times uses to track the spread of the virus.

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The Guardian.Com

Do you still have questions about the virus? Are you wondering what symptoms to look out for, how the virus spreads, or when it is time to call a doctor? If so, you might find the Guardian very helpful. On this page, you might find helpful information on how to protect yourself from the infection and live coverage updates. Stay safe.

Debunking The Generation Gap

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Baby Boomers, you’ve probably heard a lot about the millennials. And millennials, I’m sure you’ve heard a thing or two about the Silent Generation. So, where did these generational delineations come from, and what about the stereotypes that accompany them?

The Generation Gap is defined as “differences of outlook or opinion between people of different generations.” It’s often used to explain perceived differentiation between people of varying ages and feeds some of the generalities made about the behaviors of people in different generations. It could help explain why you may get some skeptical looks when you bring up intergenerational living to your friends or family members! 

Take a look at the chart below to see where generations are commonly divided:

It’s easy to make assumptions about people based on when they were born. But, does our age define our opinions, talents, interests, and motivations? A study from the Cambridge University Press on intergenerational differences in the workplace says, not so much. In their words, “there is little solid empirical evidence supporting generationally based differences and almost no theory behind why such differences should even exist.” Simply put, you might have more in common with a differently-aged roommate than you think! 

Take technology use–this is a classic example of something that is often seen as a dividing force between generations. Millennials and Gen X-ers have a reputation for being too tech-dependent while Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation are seen as being out of touch with technological advances. However, a recent study from the Pew Research Center showed that that older generations are adopting technology at high rates. Nearly 70% of Baby Boomers have a smartphone! And just as interesting, while the rates of social media use have stayed steady for Millennials in the past several years, they have grown by at least 10% for both Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation. 

All this to say, the generation gap might not be so very big after all! If you’re thinking about ways to make connections with people of different age groups, intergenerational living could be a good fit for you. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get to know someone of different ages, debunk myths, learn a new perspective, and share what you know with another person!