Young and older residents to share homes in new Canary Islands project to combat loneliness
The Canary Islands have unveiled a pioneering project designed to combat two growing social challenges at the same time: loneliness among older people and the lack of affordable housing for young people.
The scheme, called Auchón, offers free shared living arrangements between elderly residents with empty rooms and young people who need a place to live.
The initiative is not-for-profit and carefully managed from the outset to ensure the safety and well-being of both parties.
Over the past eight months, officials have been preparing for the rollout following a pilot involving five homes in Tenerife. The Minister of Social Welfare, Candelaria Delgado, encouraged both young people and older residents to get involved, describing the programme as a “network of solidarity” that she hopes will become a lasting solution across the Archipelago.
“This project responds to two issues we are deeply concerned about: unwanted loneliness among older people and the difficulties young people face in becoming independent,” Delgado explained. “It brings these two realities together and turns them into a shared opportunity.”
Companionship and support
The programme offers benefits to both groups. Older residents gain company, support, and motivation to maintain an active lifestyle, while young people, such as university students, care leavers, or those facing family difficulties, gain a safe and stable place to live.
The co-living arrangements can last up to a year, with the first month acting as a trial period. Both parties sign a formal agreement outlining rights and responsibilities, and a dedicated team of professionals provides training, mediation, and regular follow-ups to ensure the partnership is working well.
Periodic home visits are scheduled, initially every week, then every two weeks, and later once a month, to monitor how the relationship is progressing.
A different kind of rental
Unlike traditional rentals, the agreement is classed as a social housing arrangement with no profit involved. Young participants do not pay rent for the room but are expected to contribute towards household expenses such as food, electricity, and water.
The selection process begins with applications through local councils, senior citizens’ associations, health centres, or universities. Candidates then undergo individual interviews, home visits, and compatibility checks before being paired through joint meetings. Training sessions on cohabitation and, in the case of young people, even employment guidance, are also included.
Importantly, if the trial period does not work out, participants are not left unsupported. The Department has stressed that ongoing assistance will always be provided to ensure neither the young person nor the older resident feels abandoned.
The Canary Islands government hopes that Auchón will not only help ease the housing pressures faced by many young people but also provide meaningful companionship for older residents who might otherwise face isolation in homes that have grown too large for them to live in alone.
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