Cohousing-L Mailing List: Research on cohousing

[smk2152 (smk2152]

Hi- I am writing because I am a masters student in Public Health and  
Aging at Columbia University and would love to have the opportunity to  
do my thesis on aging in cohousing.  I am also, personally, a big fan  
of cohousing and am actively looking into joining one myself.

I would like to gather data for my thesis by interviewing residents  
over a period of three weeks (or so) and sitting in on some meetings,  
mealtimes and other communal activities.  My research will focus on  
these questions:  What about cohousing enables aging in place, how are  
home health aides incorporated into this unique housing-style, what  
are the challenges of establishing caring relationships with non-kin  
and what are residents' perceptions of their quality of life before  
and after moving into cohousing?

As for me, I am a quiet, studious and pleasant woman of 33, and I  
would always respect the fact that I was a visitor in people?s homes.   
It would be ideal for me if I could come for three weeks in January  
2010.  The ideal community would be either a multigenerational cohouse  
with a high percentage of older people or an elder-cohouse.

I would be greatly appreciative to hear from anyone!

Thank you,
Shira Klapper