Older adults are discovering the value of taking control of their lives. Socially, financially, and environmentally it makes sense to live near people who care about you, but until you can work with others to create this scenario, it is just a good idea and nothing else. Senior cohousing communities, and groups inspired by cohousing, grow from that need to move things forward into a collective of organized and forward-thinking activists. The result far exceeds expectations, in many cases.
Being organized is being in control. While senior living facilities are taking steps to support their residents more than ever before, they still cannot offer what senior cohousing groups can. One way to begin this process is by taking Study Group 1 (Chapter 7 of The Senior Cohousing Handbook: A Community Approach to Independent Living ). After SG1, senior cohousing groups go through a series of workshops which develop cohesiveness and clarity within, along with setting expectations and later co-designing the community of their dreams. It is important to note at this point that none of this can happen without the group being on the same page and out of denial. Cohousing communities aren’t created by one visionary, but by many who share in the vision and, through consensus and being prepared, can decide what is best for all.
The result is a neighborhood that not only symbolizes their desire to take an active role in their aging scenario, but also their commitment to supporting, listening to, and living in community with each other. Learn more about senior cohousing at the Northeast Regional Cohousing Conference September 21 – 23, 2018. Cohousing expert, Charles Durrett, will lead Senior Cohousing 101, an all-day intensive exploring an effective solution to senior housing.
The intensive is limited to 20 people, so early registration is encouraged. Sign up here:
https://cohousingassociationoftheunite.regfox.com/northeast-cohousing-summit
Senior Cohousing 101 will explore the senior cohousing movement, both concept and its history, and why it is gaining popularity and proving to be a great solution to the senior housing challenge in the U.S. today. Participants will view examples of senior cohousing communities and, through group activities and discussion, will discover solutions for supporting themselves and their community age in place successfully.
For more information and an in-depth look at senior cohousing, Durrett and McCamant & Durrett Architects will be hosting an online facilitator training for Study Group 1 Aging Successfully. This 10-week course will begin Oct 10 with meetings once per week to learn how to organize local efforts for seniors, by seniors, in their area. Those interested in becoming a facilitator should contact Lindy at lindy.sexton@cohousingco.com.