Group discussion:: Intergenerational or Elder specific, Which One is for Me ?
Recap from 12/3/06 Meeting

The larger group broke into 2 groups discussed topic for about 20 minutes.
Special thanks to Mary June, Susan Bolton and Ken Cameron Bell for leading the groups.

The intergenerational group was led by Ken: His notes below:
 
Reasons we favor this approach:
- we like the stimulation of younger people, a diversity of ideas
- it is more like an extended family
- we like the idea of "family" members supporting each other
 
We also discussed economic diversity, helping younger families buy units, providing rental space when building, providing high quality smaller spaces in the mix.
 
We discussed the need for a "State of Grace" document spelling out responsibilities, areas of compromise, etc.
 
Finally, we entered into a very interesting discussion (didn't finish) of sustainability in architecture (permaculture design) which would reflect the sustainable community ( the self-generating extended family) and sustaining the land for future generations.

The Elder specific group was let my Mary and Susan: Notes by Mary below.
ELDER CO-HOUSING GROUP DISCUSSION

-From Elderspirit:  An independent living community in which close-knit residents will care for one another as they age.
-From "Senior Çohousing" by C. Durrett:  Senior cohousing residents live among people with whom they share a common base of age, experience, and community -  a community they built themselves to specifically meet their own needs.
Group comments:
-A community comprised of similar-aged elders (e.g. 55+) would probably reach infirm conditions at more or less the same time.  Expanding elder age parameters to include younger ages, for example age 45+, would would help to minimize this, but could take on the aspects of a multigenerational community.
-Grandchildren can be expected to have a presence in elder communities.
-While "the second half of life" is often referred to in discussions on aging, the process might better be viewed in 3 stages: 0-30 (being), 30-60 (productive), 60+ (being).  --Between the ages of 60-90 a lot of growth can take place.  It is also a time for giving-back, and an opportunity for service and making connections to the community.
-Difference between elder only (e.g. 55+) and elder-rich.  Elder-rich is a flexible term, and could be multigenerational with a focus on elders depending on how a community wished to define it.
-The community should decide how health care emergencies for elders will be handled.  -Transportation needs should also be identified and assistance provided.

Thoughts: (Continued)

- Old age on my terms with mutual support and mutual assistance.
- Live with people who think about the same age issues and have like concerns.
- Living geared to retirees needs.
- Live with people who are available and without children at home to do the things I like to do.
- Friendship with my peers.
- Age in a place that is structured for my future needs (wheelchair accessible, etc.).
- Not eager to be a surrogate grandparent.