Students are finding that accommodation near college campuses is substandard or unaffordable. Meanwhile, elderly people in care often experience social isolation, which studies demonstrate as having an adverse impact on both their mental and physical health. 

Humanitas Retirement Village, a long-term care facility in the city Deventer in the Netherlands, offers free accommodation to students in exchange for thirty hours of help for elderly residents per month.

This arrangement provides a mutual benefit: rent-free accommodation for students and a younger demographic to help support the care of, and foster interactions with, elderly residents.

As part of their agreement, students teach residents various skills, such as using email and social media, as well as providing companionship. While these exchanges are important, it is living in such proximity that actually helps relationships and connections to develop, easing loneliness and making a positive contribution to the mental health of the seniors.

Source: Innovation in politics