Intergenerational living in a participation society: The influence of the Dutch context

In the Netherlands the population is ageing rapidly and long-term care costs are rising. Intergenerational living projects are aimed at providing opportunities for ageing in place and active ageing, thereby decreasing the burden on the healthcare system. The Dutch intergenerational living project BloemRijk, however, is not as successful as expected in achieving these goals. This article aims to provide insight in the causes of this lack of success. A qualitative comparison of BloemRijk with a successful French project (G´en´erations) is used to determine the influence of three factors: communication, commitment and culture. The four-layer model of Williamson guides the description of these factors and is also used to compare the two projects. BloemRijk seems to lack a social contract that ensures good communication and commitment in a national culture that is not necessarily supportive for intergenerational living. In addition, a physical component could be of influence. Future research therefore should focus on both the social contract and this physical component.