Many seniors enjoy being around young children especially if their grandchildren are far away, or no longer young. Likewise, children benefit from relationships with seniors as they are less and less likely to have nearby grandparents.
Kids in cohousing benefit from friendships with people of all ages. In the after school hours, groups of kids cluster in common areas to climb trees, throw balls, and share the game of the day. Work days find all ages working together to complete the work that needs to be done, matching skill, strength and interest to the tasks at hand. Children learn from a broad range of adults modeling different interests, philosophies and lifestyles. Busy parents find relief from driving to playgroups and lessons as many of those opportunities are available at home.
Teens and young adults serve as models for other kids and gain work and business experience doing odd jobs, pet care and babysitting for others who need it. Teens and their employers benefit from these arrangements, as does the environment as these services do not require vehicle transportation.