Re: Older cohousers | <– Date –> <– Thread –> |
From: David L. Mandel (75407.2361compuserve.com) | |
Date: Wed, 8 Mar 95 19:51 CST |
Vanessa from the UK asked about older folks in cohousing. I tried to answer directly to her e-mail address, but it was returned to me as a non-working address. (Thanks to whoever out there who does such things.) So I'm posting what I wrote here, in hopes that you see it, Vanessa. And if by some chance the address you gave was wrong, write a correction. Also, everyone might as well notice my final line -- inquiry about cohousers or similar communities in Ireland. Dear Vanessa: We deliberately sought to have a diverse population at Southside Park Cohousing, and as far as age goes, we succeeded fairly well (not as well in some other ways). Two of our members celebrated their 70th birthdays in the last year; another one I'm pretty sure is over 65 but she hasn't shared that vital statistic with me. The two 70-year-olds especially are pretty exceptional people, and their desire to live in cohousing I think demonstrates that. Interestingly enough, however, I've still been surprised by the width of a generation gap that appears sometimes over certain issues, particularly regarding attitudes toward children. Perhaps I shouldn't be. Though it hasn't happened very much yet, I still do hope that the older members will play somewhat of a role of surrogate grandparents for the many children here whose own grandparents live very far away. As for advantages for older residents themselves, I'd point to greater security, less isolation, availability of helpers for small (and some large) physical tasks as they inevitably become less able. Beyond that, you should probably ask them directly. If you wish, give me a snail mail address and I'll forward the question to them. I can't promise they'll respond, of course. I hope you'll summarize your findings whatever they turn out to be and post them on the cohousing-l forum. Last item: Do you know of any cohousing efforts (or intentional communities of a similar nature) in Ireland? We may be visiting there this summer. Thanks. David Mandel
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Re: Older cohousers David L. Mandel, March 8 1995
- Re: Older cohousers Rob Sandelin, March 9 1995
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