In late May and early June, the media has actively discussed communal living and its associated benefits.
– Our entire company’s operations are founded on communal living, states CEO Suvi Tuomala of Setlementtiasunnot.
Loneliness is a growing problem in Finland. In communal living, residents can choose to be part of a community and find companionship. Communality also provides security for those living alone.
– Our residents know their neighbors. Especially in large cities, it can be quite challenging for individuals to meet new people, Tuomala reflects.
Resident facilities in active use
Setlementtiasunnot’s buildings feature comfortable resident facilities that are freely available for all residents to use daily.
– Many start their day there, reading the local newspaper and catching up with neighbors, Tuomala says.
In addition to resident facilities, the buildings may also have, for example, a gym, a workshop, or shared garden boxes.
In some of Setlementtiasunnot’s buildings, residents have been involved in planning the shared space solutions. This was the case, for example, in the Kalasatama communal art block, which Helsingin Sanomat highlighted in an opinion piece.
– Community is built by the residents of our buildings. The resident committee and residents may organize yard events or various natural ways to meet through shared hobbies. And our housing coordinators support residents in their communal activities, Tuomala states.
Communal living provides security for the elderly
There has also been much discussion recently about future senior housing. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health has highlighted, in connection with government negotiations, the need to significantly increase communal living options for the elderly.
– We are involved in the Future Senior Housing project, which promotes age-friendly living, communal solutions, and models for independent living for as long as possible, Tuomala explains.
– Communality, among other things, reduces loneliness among the elderly. At the same time, society can achieve significant savings by extending home living by just a couple of years, she continues.
