I was interested to read the piece on Co-housing in ESRAmagazine 199, but note that the concept is presented as an answer to a negative problem i.e. loneliness.
Yes, that may be true, but the focus should be on the positive.
In Century Village, the over-55-community in Florida, where I live, people come for the lifestyle. Apartments in the complex are privately owned, occupied by owners or renters who enjoy amenities such as indoor and outdoor pools, gym, library, card rooms, art and media rooms, theater for weekly shows and free movies. In the winter season, many kinds of classes are held. The social center clubhouse is separate from the residences. The Orthodox synagogue on the premises also has learning programs, talks etc.
The point is that people live in a community where they can be as involved or not with people of their own generation or close - most are between 60s and 80s. They have the freedom of independent living with the plus of a community, pretty good as long as their health holds out.
I look forward to hearing more about the Israeli version.
Helen Garfinkel
Florida, US