Alternative Retirement Communities

Cohousing book“A baby boomer will turn 55 every second for the next 20 years.”

Just as those reaching seniorhoodTM status are diverse in their lifestyles, there should also be varying real estate choices.  For those seeking an alternative retirement community, a new option has been emerging and gaining in popularity. 


Cohousing, originating in Denmark and promoted in the U.S. in the 80s, is beginning to see a renewed interest and further growth among the senior community.  Elder cohousing is designed for adults, 55 and above, who are active and choose to live in a self-managed, close-knit community as they grow older.

Cohousing communities are not one-size-fits-all.  These communities are often developed with the aid of an architect or builder but with extensive input by the residents who will make up the community.  Cohousing comMunities range in size and the communal amenities that are available.  Since the amenities are owned by the residents of the community, it is unlikely that you will find one with a golf course.  But you may find a pool, or a garden, or a reading room, or a kitchen and a rather large dining table.

Cohousing.org lists six defining characteristics of cohousing:

  1. Participatory process:  In “true” cohousing communities, the future residents participate in the community’s design.
  2. Neighborhood design:  The physical orientation or layout of the buildings are designed with a sense of community in mind.  Homes may be clustered closer together, leaving the remaining property as open space. 
  3. Common facilities:  These facilities are designed to be an integral part of the cohousing community’s daily life.  The common house typically includes a common kitchen, dining area, sitting room, laundry, and others depending upon the community.
  4. Resident management:  Residents manage their own communities.  They often prepare common meals, develop community policies, perform much of the community maintenance work, and meet regularly to solve any problems that might arise.
  5. Non-hierarchical structure and decision making:  Sharing leadership roles within the community is part of what makes these communities work.  Decisions about the community are based on consensus, and no one person ever has complete authority. 
  6. No shared community economy:  On occasion, a member of a cohousing community will receive pay for a specific task, but in general the community is not a source of income for its members.

Elder cohousing offers many senior residents a variety of benefits such as a sense of an extended family.  Unlike many neighborhoods where neighbors these days don’t even know each other, in a cohousing community, you know all of your neighbors.  If one person gets sick, for example, the other members of the community assist by providing hot meals or transportation to medical appointments.   Certain expenses can be shared as well.  One community lawnmower can be shared and used to cut the grass for everyone in the community, for example.    

Cohousing might not be a perfect fit for everyone, but having alternate retirement community choices for the ever-growing and diverse aging population is definately a good thing. 

Some books that may be of interest to those wanting to learn more about cohousing:
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