French students, we are told, are starting to share flats with those over 65 rather than with someone their own hectic age. Such arrangements, of course, don’t necessarily involve students. There are several organisations over here matching an older person or a couple in want of a bit of company with someone younger and more agile who needs a decent place to live – and trying to match their tendencies to cook the same food, like as much fresh air, and tolerate their animals.
I’m actually on the brink of such an arrangement myself – though one likely girl had to be ruled out because she was not to be parted from her dog, which my cat would never have stood for.
I remember how my parents moved into a biggish flat near us and usually had a student to help out – often a music student because they still had a piano. I haven’t worked out how much of a good friend such a flat sharer needs to be, but you certainly need to know what you’re in for. The arrangement works well, it seems, when the younger person doesn’t want to fill the place with rowdy parties, or when the older flat owner doesn’t get the idea they’ve taken on a home help or a carer.
It certainly seems sound to check out a housemate ahead of time. It amazes me how many youngsters move in together knowing almost nothing except how well they share a bed.
What do you think? Have your say below
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