This book presents a concise description and qualitative exploration of a new residential option for older adults: senior cohousing. It describes the practical, structural and communal aspects of senior cohousing and shares the lived experiences of actual residents. Pursuing an existential-phenomenological approach, the authors visited a selection of senior cohousing communities throughout the US and interviewed members to investigate their experiences in several regards: gathering together; developing the mission and architectural design; defining member expectations for the community; and engaging in cooperative self-management, consensus building, shared tasks and mutual activities as an ongoing way of life.
In addition, the authors explored the benefits, challenges and surprises that community members have encountered along the way, and what these experiences have meant for their lives. Given its unique insights, the book offers a valuable resource for academics and all those working and interested in gerontology, sociology, psychology, nursing, public health, housing and the consumer sciences. It will also benefit active older adults who are considering new housing options.
Dr. Sherry Cummings is a Professor and Associate Dean at the University of Tennessee College of Social Work (UTCSW). She is a Fellow of the Gerontological Society of America, a Past President of the Association of Gerontological Education in Social Work (AGESW), and a John A. Hartford Geriatric Social Work Scholar. Dr. Cummings’ area of research focuses on aging and mental health, in particular, older adults with depression, severe mental illness and alcohol misuse disorders. Her work has explored mental health issues and psychological well-being among older adults in multiple settings including assisted living facilities, public housing for older adults, and the general community. She has published over 50 articles and four books, and frequently presents her work at national and international conferences.
Nancy P. Kropf is Dean of Perimeter College and a Professor at the School of Social Work, Georgia State University. Dr. Kropf’s main area of research is late life caregiving relationships, with a focus on older adults as care providers. She is the author or editor of ten books and ninety articles and chapters in related areas. She has served as the President of the Association of Gerontology Education – Social Work (AGE – SW), past editor of the Practice Forum for the Journal of Gerontological Social Work, and past Treasurer and (current) Fellow of the Gerontological Society of America.
