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This book presents a concise description and qualitative exploration of a new residential option for older adults: senior cohousing. It describes the practical, structural and communal aspects of senior cohousing and shares the lived experiences of actual residents. Pursuing an existential-phenomenological approach, the authors visited a selection of senior cohousing communities throughout the US and interviewed members to investigate their experiences in several regards: gathering together; developing the mission and architectural design; defining member expectations for the community; and engaging in cooperative self-management, consensus building, shared tasks and mutual activities as an ongoing way of life.
In addition, the authors explored the benefits, challenges and surprises that community members have encountered along the way, and what these experiences have meant for their lives. Given its unique insights, the book offers a valuable resource for academics and all those working and interested in gerontology, sociology, psychology, nursing, public health, housing and the consumer sciences. It will also benefit active older adults who are considering new housing options.
List of contents
Section 1: Defining and Describing ICs.- Chapter 1: What are Intentional Communities?.- Chapter 2: Setting the Framework.- Section 2: Comparing Intentional Communities in U.S..- Chapter 3: The Mission Statement.- Chapter 4: Resident Populations.- Chapter 5: Location and Design.- Chapter 6: Formation Process.- Chapter 7: Management and Governance.- Section 3: The Lived Experience: Voices of Members.- Chapter 8: Formation and Development of Community.- Chapter 9: Experiences of the OAIC Life.- Chapter 10: Conclusion: Where to go from here.- Resources.
Summary
This book presents a concise description and qualitative exploration of a new residential option for older adults: senior cohousing. It describes the practical, structural and communal aspects of senior cohousing and shares the lived experiences of actual residents. Pursuing an existential-phenomenological approach, the authors visited a selection of senior cohousing communities throughout the US and interviewed members to investigate their experiences in several regards: gathering together; developing the mission and architectural design; defining member expectations for the community; and engaging in cooperative self-management, consensus building, shared tasks and mutual activities as an ongoing way of life.
In addition, the authors explored the benefits, challenges and surprises that community members have encountered along the way, and what these experiences have meant for their lives. Given its unique insights, the book offers a valuable resource for academics and all those working and interested in gerontology, sociology, psychology, nursing, public health, housing and the consumer sciences. It will also benefit active older adults who are considering new housing options.
Report
"Cohousing. A New Way Forward for Active Older Adults, is well suited for both the general population and range of professionals, from health and social service professionals to those working in policy, architecture, and community and organizational planning. ... it should be a 'must-read' for gerontological social workers. ... A strength of this book is the presentation of the realities of cohousing, including cost, conflict, and diversity issues." (Marla Berg-Weger, Journal of Gerontological Social Work, January 16, 2020)
