Urban Economics and Planning

Urban Economics and Planning

An Analysis of the Current State of Intergenerational Social Housing for Older Adults in Tehran

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Abolfazl Meshkini 1
Mehdi Yousefi 2
Somayeh Alipour 3
1 Associate Professor, Department of Geography and Planning, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
2 Ph.D. Candidate in Geography and Urban Planning, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
3 Postdoctoral researcher in geography and urban planning, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/uep.2025.522715.1643
Abstract
Introduction 
Professor Halina Skibniewska introduced intergenerational living as part of the cyclical process in which successive generations live together. This housing solution was considered an experimental model that did not gain widespread popularity. Since the beginning of the twenty-first century, we have witnessed a trend of successive generations of a family living in very close proximity, primarily due to socio-economic conditions. Intergenerational social housing is a new idea based on an old model. People of different ages live together and share their skills and time. In the past, this tendency was found in extended families or interconnected local communities, and recently this idea has emerged in providing housing for some elderly individuals. The idea is that such collaboration can be shared among unrelated individuals, fostering independent, modern living and mutual benefit. In fact, this type of housing strengthens social relationships and mutual support between generations, especially between older people and younger generations. In this model, in addition to providing suitable and affordable housing, efforts are made to create spaces for social interaction, psychological support, and meeting the various needs of individuals from all age groups.
Materials and Methods
With an applied aim and an analytical-descriptive nature, the present research examines the most critical indicators for creating intergenerational social housing for older people in Tehran using a survey method. Initially, the most significant indicators of intergenerational social housing were extracted through content analysis of existing studies. Then, a questionnaire consisting of 25 questions was used for assessment and evaluation. The statistical population included 120 individuals, comprising urban designers, planners, and managers, specialists in elderly rehabilitation and care, psychological consultants for aging, and other professionals related to the field of elderly care in the metropolitan area of Tehran, utilizing the Cochran method. The indicators examined in this study included services and facilities, environmental sustainability, security and safety, physical aspects, social support, and interactive opportunities. The research tool was a questionnaire, and its reliability was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, with all indicators scoring above 0.7: services and facilities (0.813), environmental sustainability (0.763), security and safety (0.762), physical aspects (0.882), social support (0.760), and interactive opportunities (0.885). Data analysis was conducted using foresight techniques in several sections, including environmental scanning (to collect relevant indicators) and impact assessment techniques (utilizing scenario wizard software for scenario development). The weighting of the questionnaire was performed through pairwise comparison, with the correlation between variables rated between -3 and 3. The statistical population confirmed the validity of this questionnaire. The completed questionnaires were entered into scenario wizard software through the Ensemble command; compatible and weak scenarios were ultimately identified and analyzed.
Findings
The examination of the status of intergenerational social housing for the elderly in Tehran revealed that interactive opportunities have the highest average at 2.823 among the indicators, indicating the significant importance of this component in the structure of intergenerational housing for older people. This underscores the necessity of creating spaces that facilitate intergenerational interactions and, in a way, strengthen the social connections of older people. On the other hand, services and facilities have the lowest average at 1.4833, which indicates serious deficiencies in this area and the need for greater attention to improving service infrastructure. The averages of the other indicators (environmental sustainability, security and safety, physical aspects, and social support) are relatively close, ranging from 1.76 to 1.88. This situation highlights the demand for balancing these components in the design of intergenerational social housing. Additionally, the analysis of this data shows that issues related to improving the quality of life, including access to welfare services, security, and optimal use of natural resources, significantly impact individuals’ opinions. Environmental and safety indicators received the highest priority in evaluations, while indicators related to everyday issues, such as public transportation and access to healthcare services, ranked lower in importance. This analysis indicates that, overall, safety, social welfare, and environmental concerns are among the topics individuals are most concerned about.
Conclusion
Intergenerational housing for older people in Tehran is one of the significant and widespread challenges in society that requires immediate attention and action. Given the community’s economic, social, and cultural conditions, there is a pressing need to create a supportive and suitable living environment for older people. The challenges present in the housing and living conditions of older people, particularly in large and densely populated cities like Tehran, necessitate serious attention and action. Older people, as part of the population that transmits experiences and cultural norms to future generations, should live in a safe and appropriate environment that facilitates access to health, social, and cultural services. 
The overall status of intergenerational social housing for the elderly in Tehran faces serious challenges. Numerous critical and crisis-prone situations highlight the need for special attention to various components, including services and facilities, environmental sustainability, and social support. To improve the current situation, continuous interventions and planning are essential to complete and enhance the quality of services, increase social support, and address physical and environmental aspects. These interventions are deemed necessary to create a supportive and facilitative environment for the elderly in Tehran, especially concerning social housing. Therefore, the proposed strategies, ranging from the design and construction of suitable housing and economic support to strengthening social relationships and protective laws, can help create an environment conducive to the needs of older people. These strategies improve the quality of life for older people, strengthen social bonds, and increase solidarity between generations. To achieve these goals, it is essential for all stakeholders, including the government, non-governmental organizations, the local community, and families, to collaborate closely. By utilizing modern technologies, securing appropriate funding, and creating educational frameworks, a sustainable and supportive community for the elderly can be built. Ultimately, by creating a supportive and respectful environment for older people, their quality of life will improve, and society will benefit from their values and experiences.
Keywords
Tehran
Elderly
Social Housing
Intergenerational Housing

Subjects

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Urban Economics and Planning
Volume 6, Issue 3
Summer 2025
Pages 240-259

  • Receive Date 11 May 2025
  • Revise Date 12 July 2025
  • Accept Date 16 July 2025