The Baby Boomers who began retiring last year reshaped society in their youth and are doing it again in retirement by selecting alternative retirement communities for their next adventure.
Some seniors may look forward to days filled with golf and sailing in sunny communities, but others are making different choices.
For these, cohousing in a village-like center is an ideal option.
Cohousing As Alternative Retirement Communities Originating in Denmark and gaining popularity in the U.
S.
since the 1980s, cohousing adds a community dimension to independent living.
Communities, often designed by an architect, promote social contact while offering individual space.
Individuals have their own homes, but meet for occasional meals and recreation together in a common house.
This type of housing presents an interesting option for seniors who are seeking alternative retirement communities.
What makes cohousing different from other living arrangements offering a community room and scheduled activities, is that residents seek to build a family-like relationship with others.
Neighbors care about each other and aren't afraid to show it.
They drive each other to appointments and shopping and pitch in when someone is sick.
Residents loan their tools and share their skills.
People can age in place as they grow older, with the support system of a village nearby.
The Six Principles Of Cohousing Cohousing communities usually follow six basic principles: Participation in design: Residents participate in the initial design of the community so that it reflects the interests of the prospective residents.
The design might feature a pool, an art gallery, or a large kitchen to feed the homeless.
The units might include provisions for health care workers.
Those who were not part of the community at the onset would not be involved in the design phase, but could choose their setting.
Neighborhood design: Homes are physically arranged to promote a sense of community.
The homes are often clustered or set so they face each other or the common house, leaving a large common area free.
Shared facilities: The common house has a communal dining room, sitting area, laundry, exercise room, or other specialized areas such as a workshop, craft rooms, and guest rooms.
Resident management: Residents manage the community, undertake much of the maintenance, prepare the common meals, and develop policies for the group.
Decision-making: Decisions are made by consensus, not usually a vote.
All members participate, but there is not a hierarchy of authority.
No shared community economy: Cohousing is not a commune; members contribute dues but manage their own finances.
Though a member might be paid for an occasional task, people usually contribute their skill and time to help the community.
Creating a cohousing community from scratch is costly, which generally limits the access to more affluent individuals.
Organizations such as the Partnerships for Affordable Cohousing (PFAC) strive to make the concept workable with low and moderate-income families too, including seniors.
Retrofitting an existing community to work as cohousing can also lower the costs.
Finding a convenient, affordable cohousing arrangement may be challenging, but can provide the type of village-like setting you want.
If you are looking at alternative retirement communities that offer you the lifestyle you want, cohousing may be your answer.