The ‘active reciprocity’ ecosystem: senior cohousing as a determinant of social support and cognitive vitality independent of socioeconomic status

Introduction This study aims to explore the relationship between residential context and health-related outcomes. It seeks to analyze the differences in sociodemographic profiles, health status, psychosocial well-being, and cognitive performance between individuals living in self-managed senior collaborative housing (senior cohousing) and those in conventional single-family housing. Methods Using a cross-sectional comparative design, 171 older people (83 in cohousing, 88 in single-family homes) were assessed using a multidimensional battery that included sociodemographic data, objective and subjective health, functional capacity, psychosocial well-being, and cognitive functioning. Results The findings revealed significant differences between the two groups. Cohousing residents have a significantly higher socioeconomic status. Although the cohousing group reported more chronic diseases, they showed healthier lifestyles (greater physical activity and lower alcohol consumption) and better performance in verbal episodic memory and semantic fluency. At the psychosocial level, cohousing stood out for greater perceived social support, a positive attitude toward aging, and social engagement. A critical finding is that, after adjusting for educational level, occupation, and income, the lifestyle advantage was no longer significant. However, cohousing remained independently associated with less social loneliness and greater social support. Discussion Cohousing transforms the relational environment into an ‘ecosystem of active reciprocity’. By promoting social connection and self-management, this model improves independence and overall well-being compared to traditional housing models. The results suggest that the main benefit of cohousing lies in its value as a social determinant of relational health, acting independently of the individual’s previous socioeconomic status.