Co-living is transforming life for South Asian seniors
MELBOURNE: An avid traveler, Amit Ahuja spent years exploring the world: from Dubai and Poland to California and New York. When the time came for the Bombay native to settle down and enjoy retirement, he chose to live in Queens, one of New York’s most populous boroughs. But he soon ran into a problem many seniors face: finding affordable and accessible housing.
A one-bedroom apartment in Queens averages around $3,300, a price that was not ideal for the retiree. For several months Ahuja lived in a shared apartment that was more affordable, while vigorously looking for a way out.
Then, one day, he found one. India Home, a Queens-based nonprofit organization that helps South Asians elderly, was opening up a home in Glen Oaks for five Indian seniors in need of housing. The two-story house was sparkling new and furnished. Each person could have their own bedroom and bathroom, and share a spacious kitchen and dining area. The rent was only $1,000 a month.
Ahuja immediately signed up and was chosen to live there. In 2023, he moved into the house with four other seniors.
“I just fell in love with this place,” the 68-year-old said. “I was very happy to be getting something nice.”
Ahuja’s story is why India Home wants to continue building more co-living homes in the city. Asian seniors are the fastest-growing senior population in the state, making up 15% of the total population aged 50 and up. But they are also the state’s most vulnerable population, as 42% are reportedly poor or low-income.
Many seniors face difficulties securing affordable housing due to the high volume of demands but limited supply. India Home notices that South Asian elderly especially have limited English skills and lack access to information on how to navigate government benefits, such as Medicare and food stamps.
New York City has one of the largest concentrations of South Asian immigrants in the nation. Many live in Queens, including in the Jamaica, Jackson Heights, Astoria, Flushing and Bellerose neighborhoods, according to India Home.
The organization has four senior centers spread out across Queens and operates health and wellness programs, senior advocacy and education efforts.
The idea to build co-living homes was born during the COVID-19 pandemic, when India Home noticed how isolated their community of South Asian seniors were, says Dr. Vasundhara Kalaspudi, a geriatric psychiatrist and executive director of India Home. Staff wanted to create an environment where seniors could bond over shared experiences or cultures.
“We were looking at different concepts for the homes,” she said. “Then decide why not make a house for seniors who share a similar language and culture, similar food.”
While the Glen Oaks location houses Indian seniors, and second co-living home in Jamaica hosts several who are Bangladeshi Muslims.
India Home is in the process of converting three properties in Jamaica into more co-living hubs. A recent loss of federal funding for the project is setting the completion back, but Kalaspudi says she is optimistic that they will be able to raise the money.
There’s another reason why the organization believes co-living homes are important: it helps alleviate senior loneliness. Studies show that social isolation is a serious public health risk that affects older adults. Around 24% of Americans aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated, while 43% of adults aged 60 and older say they feel lonely, according to a study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.
At the Glen Oaks and Jamaica homes, residents have access to social workers and reliable transportation that takes them to India Home’s senior centers. There, they can socialize with others and enjoy warm meals. On days when the residents stay home, they can interact with their housemates.
After traveling solo for many years, Ahuja said he likes the company of his housemates.
“They’re all good people, very respectful people,” he said. “I’m very happy with them.”
The seniors are also able to freely move in and out to see family members and friends who live close by. On a recent November day, 82-year-old Sudesh Kapoor emerges from her room to greet Ahuja before heading out to a family birthday party. Kapoor immigrated to the states from India a few years ago to be closer to her adult children.
Speaking in Punjabi, Kapoor says about living at the house: “It’s good and comfortable.”