MyTown, the Philippines’ largest co-living company, conducted a lecture series in partnership with the Philippine Mental Health Association and held an extensive survey among its thousands of tenants to help raise awareness and foster discussions on the importance of mental health in the Philippines.
Rapid urbanization, an increase in the number of young professionals who live alone, and social media adoption are often cited as causes in adversely affecting mental health in big cities. Mental health is especially problematic amongst millennials and Gen Z, according to the World Health Organization.
MyTown’s survey found that two of three of its tenants feel less lonely now that they co-live at MyTown and over 80 percent sees MyTown as a “home away from home.”
Shared accommodation, also called co-living, gives tenants their own space within a larger building with communal areas, amenities, activities and events, thereby providing a range of social benefits that help to reduce loneliness. The World Health Organization has listed “social support networks” as one of the factors that determines health and happiness.
“Most of us have experienced loneliness or depression, either first-hand or in our immediate surrounding. Our goal is for MyTown to be a way for people to find a community and support network in the big city. By driving this sense of community and belonging through our building designs and tenant events, we successfully lower the threshold for people to engage with others and have our tenants feel supported and connected,” said Jelmer Ikink, group director of the company behind MyTown.
“Our survey shows that most tenants go to our events alone and that a big reason for joining these activities is to meet new friends. From movie and trivia nights to parties and community outreach activities, each tenant has the opportunity to connect and engage with others, create a supportive network, and maintain a social life,” said Drixel Ortega, chief customer officer at MyTown.