Cohousing-L Mailing List: RE: Senior cohousing / Fardknappen

[Rob Sandelin (floriferous]

Our community was founded by an "elder" who is now 90 years young. I asked
her for her view on whether cohousing was a good place for elders and here
is what she said, my clarifications in parens"

* Living at Sharingwood gives me access to the children, (which she
absolutely loves). If you did not like children you might not like  living
here (here meaning Sharingwood, but could also describe any child thick
community)

* In my condition (she is very frail, wheelchair bound, can hardly talk, has
trouble hearing) it is hard to be an active participant, but I love just
being with us all and feeling like I am a part, even if I don't  know what
is going on.

* Getting this community going was the best thing I ever did. (this from a
lady, who in a long life, has done some amazingly good things).

Robs Commentary: Shirley is in a unique position as community founder, and
she is well cared for by both livin care givers, and community members. In
fact, she may have the most social connections, people dropping by to chat,
than anybody. We celebrated her 90th birthday this year and I can't recall
so much love in one place, directed  towards one person. Of course, this is
unique to our situation, and elders moving in can hardly expect such
treatment. The challenges of age, both physical and social, can be easily
accomodated. However, I have heard many times that older people tend to move
out of community in that its too loud, too many kids, etc. Also living in
community means, at some level, being accountable, when your behaviors
impact others, and this can come as shock to some folks, elder or not.


Rob Sandelin
South Snohomish County at the headwaters of Ricci Creek
Sky Valley Environments  <http://www.nonprofitpages.com/nica/SVE.htm>
Field skills training for student naturalists
Floriferous [at] msn.com


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