Aging in Place: Cohousing: An Alternative For America’s Older Adults

Christine Kennedy

Since working on the book Senior Cohousing with Chuck Durrett in 2003, Christine Kennedy has traveled throughout the United States researching and sharing information about elements of cohousing as an option for older adults. This presentation includes an overview of economic and demographic trends, and the senior cohousing movement, and a “virtual tour” of the only three American “dedicated” senior cohousing communities reveals who built what, where, and why. The session culminates in a discussion of the pros and cons of being a senior in multigenerational versus senior cohousing.

Christine Kennedy has been recognized as an expert regarding innovative, aging-friendly housing options by such national interests as AARP and O Magazine. Her presentation style creates workshop environments where expertise is shared, ideas are elicited and everyone contributes to the learning experience. Christine currently serves as CEO of The Leading Age Institute, Inc. , a California non-profit corporation, accelerating the launch of age-friendly projects and practices through innovation, collaboration, and program specific technology.