See Mixed-age senior living examples that are inspiring.
At Judson Manor in Cleveland, "While unique, the living arrangement has its perks for both generations. Studies have shown that there are huge health benefits to the elderly—from fighting dementia to regulating blood pressure —that come from social contact with younger people. Meanwhile, college students are struggling with increasing college debts and housing costs.
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At Bridge Meadows in Portland, "Elders help neighbors in myriad ways, gaining what amounts to an extended family in return. That’s the mission of this privately funded nonprofit organization that established a multigenerational community on a former elementary school site in North Portland. The cluster of townhomes and apartments brings together low-income elders and nine adults who have adopted or are in the process of adopting children out of foster care through an organization that provides on-site services and creates a support network for all. Read more.
At Mosaic Commons in Berlin, Massachusetts, 67-year old John Barrett lives at Mosaic Commons, a new intergenerational cohousing community, ages 8 months to 73 years old, 45 minutes west of Boston. He and his wife, Judy Dempewolff, are in good company; there are 124 mixed-age cohousing developments nationwide that include boomers and older adults. More than 40 are in the planning stages. Read more.
Hope Meadows in Illinois, established 21 years ago, has inspired a number of other communities. At one, that includes both young mothers and seniors, "the young mothers can take the seniors to the doctor, and the seniors can help out with child care while the moms are at school or at work." Read more.
Perhaps Sturgeon Bay planners can proactively explore alternative housing that supports seniors, young families, and students all together.
Submitted by Nancy Aten
