Multigenerational living at Malhar - Musings on Accessibility & Inclusivity
Across India and the world, multigenerational living is making a comeback. Sometimes it's economics - rising real estate costs and the appeal of shared childcare. Sometimes it's a necessity - aging parents who need care. Sometimes it's a choice- working professionals who no longer need to leave their hometowns for opportunities, thanks to improving infrastructure in Tier Two cities.
Whatever your reason for living with older and younger generations together in the same home, the fact of the matter is, it’s not easy. Sure, it’s fulfilling, but it’s not easy. And quite obviously, the living quarters have a lot to do with making the living arrangements easier.
And no, this is not a paean to living in a sprawling home. Yes, size can matter, but not as much as concerns like accessibility and inclusivity, or balancing privacy with the need for connection. And all this, of course, while accommodating varied interests and lifestyle needs.
A quick dive into all these, and you’ll see the point.
Accessibility & Inclusivity
Say you got a sprawling, airy penthouse in a popular suburb, but pretty soon you realise that the association or the landlord is not too keen on maintaining the lift in the building. This issue regularly pops up in Bengaluru, and many families cite this as a reason to move out of the homes they’d bought (we’re lucky that the builder and associations within Malhar are a lot more responsible).
Or even consider the number of duplex style flats, or multilevel townhouses being built across the city, but without planning for lifts and ramps for the elderly members of the family. Yes, urban living calls for density, but surely with appropriate accommodations for every member of the household?
Another aspect to think about when considering inclusivity is health. Every person in a multigenerational household has different healthcare needs. For instance, children are very badly impacted by the poor Air Quality Index in our cities and there are reports of poor air quality leading to chronic respiratory illnesses and shorter lifespans, yet staying indoors supported by air purifiers cannot be the answer. Reports indicate that air pollution disproportionately impacts children over that other sensitive group - seniors - since seniors are likely to spend more time indoors while children spend more time outdoors due to school and other activities. Again, here in Malhar, we’re lucky to have a healthy AQI, lush green surroundings suitable for outdoor activities and play, and many car-freezones. We know that our children are at less risk here.
Now, the same amenities - pedestrian-friendly surroundings, lush greenery, healthy air, and opportunities to socialise and engage with the community in a safe manner - is relevant to the seniors as well. In the typical urban home in Bengaluru, elderly people tend to not even go walking outside of their homes due to fears like falling due to poor pedestrian facilities or fear of accidents. When they do go out, it’s in cars that keep them safe from the poor infrastructure, but it doesn’t give them the opportunity to keep their bodies and minds strong, healthy, and agile. The lives that seniors are able to live in Malhar is definitely unique, and something I wish more seniors across Bengaluru could enjoy. And what sweetens the deal for seniors living here is that Malhar is not a seniors-only retirement community - it’s a place for family members of all ages to live together and engage with community members of all ages.
When neighbourhoods like Malhar provide clean air, safe streets, and inclusive amenities, families don't just live together - they thrive together across every generation. And once these concerns around the right amenities and common goods are out of the way, only then can we consider questions around privacy and connection within the home.
Coming up: Notes on balancing privacy while enabling connection within a multi-generational home.
