Cohousing-L Mailing List: RE: senior cohousing and the diversity issue

[TR Ruddick (truddick]

> From: racheli [at] sonoracohousing.com (Racheli Gai)
> I have an observation and a question:
> The observation is that I believe that being open towards others not only
> increases opportunities to *give*, it also increases opportunities to
> receive from other generations.
> My question is: Are those who have that openness likely to do well
> anywhere, or is it the intergenerational aspect which contributes to their
> well being?

Recently I attended a talk by Richard Florida, author of "Rise of the
Creative Class."

Quick digest: Dr. Florida studied the social and economic reasons that some
areas turn into economic growth centers and others don't.  He summarizes
his conclusions as the three Ts: to be an economic growth center, a region
needs technology (education, development and entrepreneurial resources),
talent (a large pool of creative, qualified professionals), and tolerance
(diverse lifestyle opportunities).

Your question seemed to me related to what Florida had to say.  The regions
of greatest economic growth are the ones with the greatest populations of
immigrants, GLBT, ethnic groups, etc.  The creative people (who now account
for 33% of America's workforce and over 50% of the economic activity) want
to live in those areas because they need and value the diversity.

>From what he said, I'd conclude that those who value openness are likely to
do well anywhere, but they will gravitate to, and thrive in, an environment
that meets their need for it.

TR Ruddick
Dayton Cohousing


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