Venø senior co-housing project highlighted as EU model

A senior co-housing community on the small Danish island of Venø has been cited by the EU as a model for depopulating villages and islands across Europe, reports DR.

The project, initiated by elderly residents themselves, allows older islanders to downsize from larger homes into smaller, community-based housing without leaving Venø. Residents retain their own homes while gaining close neighbours, daily community, and greater security. The move also frees up larger properties for new families.

Annette Friis, who launched the initiative, notes that unlike many Danish senior co-housing schemes—often run by pension funds or large organisations—Venø’s project was driven by private initiative from the elderly residents themselves.

The EU and the Rural Pact development fund have now featured the project in a brochure alongside initiatives from Tyrol, Spain, Germany, and Ireland, aiming to inspire rural areas facing population decline.

“I think it’s huge and fantastic that we’re included in an EU brochure,” Friis said. “It’s significant that we get the chance to share what we’ve done.” She hopes Venø’s experience can help other small communities working to retain residents.