Can Coliving Improve Mental Health?
A free research-backed guide exploring how shared living combats loneliness, fosters belonging, and supports mental wellbeing. Written by Kim Rubenstein, MA, PSY.D.
People Worldwide Feel Lonely
Annual Deaths Linked to Loneliness
Young Adults Report Loneliness
Higher Stroke Risk from Isolation
About This Guide
“Can Coliving Improve Mental Health?” is a comprehensive guide by Kim Rubenstein, MA, PSY.D, founder of Roommate Connect AI — a software platform that helps match shared living tenants for compatibility. Drawing on clinical psychology expertise and real-world shared living data, this guide explores how coliving environments can be intentionally designed to support mental health and wellbeing.
In a world where loneliness is increasingly recognized as a public health crisis, coliving offers a powerful, community-first alternative. This guide provides the evidence, the frameworks, and the practical insights you need to understand the mental health dimensions of shared living.
What You'll Learn
This guide offers valuable insights to help you understand the profound impact of shared living on well-being.
Living Environment & Mental Health
Learn how social isolation and urban stress affect mental wellbeing, and discover how coliving can act as a solution to these modern challenges.
Mental Health Benefits of Coliving
Find out how coliving fosters a sense of belonging, emotional support, financial stability that reduces stress, and healthy lifestyle practices.
Challenges & Solutions
Get insights into over-socialization, interpersonal conflicts, maintaining boundaries, and strategies to overcome transient relationships.
Personal & Professional Growth
Discover opportunities for networking, mentorship, and collaboration within coliving communities, and how living spaces enhance work-life balance.
Practical Insights for Decisions
Assess whether coliving aligns with your personal and mental health needs. Gain tips on choosing the right coliving space for your wellbeing goals.
Relevant for All Audiences
Ideal for digital nomads, young professionals, students, coliving operators, and anyone seeking emotional well-being in urban environments.
The Loneliness Epidemic & Coliving
According to the WHO Commission on Social Connection, 1 in 6 people worldwide experience loneliness — with rates as high as 1 in 4 in lower-income countries. Globally, single-person households have risen from 23% to 28% since 1985 and are projected to reach 35% by 2050.
Coliving directly addresses this by creating intentional communities where genuine connections thrive — from shared kitchens and living rooms to organized community events, interest-based groups, and supportive living environments.
Well-designed coliving spaces combine affordability, community, and purpose. Residents report higher levels of belonging, better work-life balance, and reduced stress compared to traditional living arrangements.
Community by Design
Intentional spaces that create opportunities for meaningful social interaction and support.
Belonging & Purpose
Being part of something bigger contributes to improved mental wellbeing and life satisfaction.
Financial Stability
Shared costs reduce financial stress — a major contributor to anxiety and depression.
Work-Life Balance
Integrated coworking and community spaces help maintain healthy boundaries.
Download the Free Guide
Register to receive “Can Coliving Improve Mental Health?” — a comprehensive guide that will help you understand the deep connection between shared living and mental wellbeing.
Research-backed insights on loneliness and community
Mental health benefits of coliving environments
Practical strategies for challenges in shared living
Guide to choosing the right coliving space for wellbeing
Get Your Free Copy
COHO's State of Shared Living 2025
One of the most comprehensive studies on the shared living sector — drawing on data from over 6,000 tenants. The report explores how rising solo living is fuelling loneliness and how shared living communities are emerging as a powerful solution for social connection and wellbeing.
In a time where loneliness and the breakdown of community are on the rise, shared living offers something powerful: connection.
Read COHO's ReportBuilding a Community-Focused Coliving Space?
Our advisory team can help you design living environments that prioritize mental health, community, and resident wellbeing.