Senior Cohousing Information Sessions Scheduled—in Amherst & Northampton

A public presentation – “Senior Cohousing: An Option for Aging Successfully in Community,” – will be given by cohousing resident, advocate, and facilitator Dyan Wiley on 3 different dates and locations in the region. She will examine what senior cohousing has to offer, and what makes it one of the best new choices –as a pre-thought out solution to the challenges of aging—emerging in the marketplace for seniors as they age. Cohousing appeals to proactive adults who want to live in an environmentally and socially vibrant community, in custom-designed neighborhoods organized by the seniors themselves to address their real needs, wants and aspirations for health, longevity and quality of life. More than 150 cohousing communities exist in North America, including 6 senior-focused developments.

The information session will be repeated at three locations. All run 7:00-8:30pm.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14
Bangs Community Center – 70 Boltwood Walk, Amherst

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27
Northampton Senior Center – 67 Conz Street, Northampton

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6
Florence Community Center – 140 Pine Street, Northampton

“Cohousing is about living an enjoyable life among neighbors in a mutually supportive and productive neighborhood that also has low environmental impact,” says session presenter Dyan Wiley. “It is unique for its emphasis on creating architectural as well as social design elements that build community and caring. It is attractive to active seniors for several reasons, including resident involvement in the design phase and incorporating affordability measures. Also cohousing neighborhoods are models of environmental, economic and social sustainability attracting proactive individuals who want to do something about saving the earth and the human race through their lifestyle choices.”

Please forward this announcement to interested friends and colleagues! The sessions are free and open to the public. For more information contact Dyan at dyan[at]cohousing.com or 413.427.3790 or find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SeniorCohousingInWesternMass

Also learn out about a 10-session course that Dyan leads, “Aging Successfully-Aging in Community.” The curriculum uses experiential learning to highlight the opportunities and challenges of “aging in place,” and the advantages of community living over the alternatives. Sharing stories and experiences, knowledge and beliefs, fears, laughter, hopes and dreams will open up new ways of thinking about your future. This workshop helps participants decide if a senior cohousing community will support your vision of aging successfully. Topics include:

· Aging Successfully: What Is Your Aging Scenario? Who Is Your Community?

· Realities Of Getting Older: Everything Isn’t Like It Was!

· Working Together: Group Process, Making Decisions & Conscious Communication

· Co-Care And Outside Care: Who Takes Care Of Whom?

· Co-Healing: Staying Healthy Through Community & The Search For Quality Longevity

· The Economics Of Getting Older

· Spirituality And Philosophy Of Aging: Fears & Mortality—The Inner Work.

· Sage-Ing: What We Offer The World

· Embracing Risk: Being Proactive To Transform Your Housing Option

· Wrap Up & Fieldtrip: Visiting a Cohousing Community; Development Process Overview

The flyer in PDF format:
Senior Cohousing Presentation Flyer Nov-Dec 2012