The Challenge of Stability: How Multigenerational Communities Respond to Ageing and Disability

Saturday 3:15 – 4:15 pm

The Challenge of Stability: How Multigenerational Communities Respond to Ageing and Disability

Cohousing in the US is now about eighteen years old. The turnover rate at cohousing communities is low. Thus established cohousing communities have ageing populations and, without being planned as such, gradually become senior cohousing. This panel will explore the ways different communities respond to fact that, as the years pass, their residents become older and, in some cases, increasingly in need of assistance. Members of older communities will address some of the following questions: What was the average age of residents when they first moved in? What is the average age of residents now? What plans has your community made to help seniors stay in the community as they age? Have any residents of your community become disabled after moving in? What accommodations has your community made for disabled residents either from the beginning or as time goes on?

After a brief review of the experience of ageing in their respective communities, the panel will answer questions and share experiences from members of the audience.

PRESENTER: Diane Margolis, resident of Cambridge Cohousing and Coho/US Board member, will moderate a panel of seniors living in a variety of communities.