*work in progress *
breaking the ritual of PERMANENT loneliness, as we age
Bringing awareness to social isolation is identifying ways to improve quality of life throughout the aging process. Is believing in the importance of staying connected as we get older. Is advocating for urban planing, or access to services that positively impact social cohesion, specially at older age. Is recognizing the uncountable amount of care we all will need, as an older population. Is questioning about existing models of living together, and exploring alternate ones. Having a purpose in life means being socially connected and minimizing social isolation, as we age.
" The formation of meaningful social connections is an integral part of human nature"
(Baumeister & Leary, 1995; Cacioppo & Patrick, 2008)
(Baumeister & Leary, 1995; Cacioppo & Patrick, 2008)
social isolation, an epidemic health issue
Social isolation impairs health, by lowering general well-being, increasing depression, lowering the immune system, and hiring the level of disability from chronic diseases. More than one risk factor is linked to social isolation.
As Lisa Berkman, PhD Harvard School Of Public Health explains “social and structural factors influence how we develop and maintain relationships and relationship quality."
Social isolation is directly correlated to one’s relationship quality, frequency and engagement.
How can environments be designed to better serve social interaction?
As Lisa Berkman, PhD Harvard School Of Public Health explains “social and structural factors influence how we develop and maintain relationships and relationship quality."
Social isolation is directly correlated to one’s relationship quality, frequency and engagement.
How can environments be designed to better serve social interaction?
cohousing, living intentionally together
• Intentional collaborative communities
• Designed for privacy and social integration
• High degree of social cohesion and teamwork
• Culture of sharing and caring
• Shared spaces, costs, tasks, meals, as mutual benefit
• Self-governed
• Designed for privacy and social integration
• High degree of social cohesion and teamwork
• Culture of sharing and caring
• Shared spaces, costs, tasks, meals, as mutual benefit
• Self-governed
pdx commons, a senior urban cohousing - portland, or
"Most people wait too long before undertaking the changes needed for the transition to the next phase of their lives. We are ready to plan for the changes ahead and take action now to ensure we keep on living as well as possible."
Source: PDXC Website
observing pdxc commons
|
• From April 16 - June 14, 2018 (40 h)
• Attendance at Team & Committee Meetings (5) • Attendance at Events & Shared Meals (4) • Host a Guest Dinner "Feijoada" (1) • One-to-one Interviews with Community Members (6) • Group Interview with Community Founders (1) • Observance of Communication Practices (Positive) • Observance of Leadership Practices (Consensus) • Better Understanding of: Relationship & Social Connection Common & Shared Values Life Transition |
RELATIONSHIP & social connection
• Demands huge work and intensity to build up, even inside the community
• The community offers a handy, convenient friendship. Small distance. There is always somebody around.
• Neighbors are present. They help with ride to airport, appointments. They check on each other. They share gifts, advice and company
• Is not necessarily a group of best friends. Not necessarily there will be intimate friends
• Not being friends with everybody is okay
• Differences on personalities styles (introverted, extroverted) should be taken into consideration. Smaller gatherings tend to result better for introverts. Communication roles tend to be better performed by extroverts.
• Not being friends with everybody is okay
• The community offers a handy, convenient friendship. Small distance. There is always somebody around.
• Neighbors are present. They help with ride to airport, appointments. They check on each other. They share gifts, advice and company
• Is not necessarily a group of best friends. Not necessarily there will be intimate friends
• Not being friends with everybody is okay
• Differences on personalities styles (introverted, extroverted) should be taken into consideration. Smaller gatherings tend to result better for introverts. Communication roles tend to be better performed by extroverts.
• Not being friends with everybody is okay
common & shared values
• Clear concept on values of the community: urban, senior, active participation, positive thinker
• Self-Management means hands-on, leadership, negotiation
• Shared values around financial decisions are less unanimous
• Willing to give. Willing to be creative.
• The other, the collective should matter more than an individual. Differences of opinions to be respected
• Let go decisions. Accepting when "your" idea is not the one consented by the group
• Self-Management means hands-on, leadership, negotiation
• Shared values around financial decisions are less unanimous
• Willing to give. Willing to be creative.
• The other, the collective should matter more than an individual. Differences of opinions to be respected
• Let go decisions. Accepting when "your" idea is not the one consented by the group
life transition
• Starting new lives after divorce, or becoming widower
• Downsizing, leaving a 30 year-life-family house
• Transferring a family house to children and grandchildren
• Operate as an independent person, living lighter
• Gaining and creating a new supportive community
• Downsizing, leaving a 30 year-life-family house
• Transferring a family house to children and grandchildren
• Operate as an independent person, living lighter
• Gaining and creating a new supportive community
communication
• Clear concept on values of the community: urban, senior, active participation, positive thinker
• Self-Management means hands-on, leadership, negotiation
• Shared values around financial decisions are less unanimous
• Better Understanding of:
• Self-Management means hands-on, leadership, negotiation
• Shared values around financial decisions are less unanimous
• Better Understanding of:
leadership
• Clear concept on values of the community: urban, senior, active participation, positive thinker
• Self-Management means hands-on, leadership, negotiation
• Shared values around financial decisions are less unanimous
• Better Understanding of:
• Self-Management means hands-on, leadership, negotiation
• Shared values around financial decisions are less unanimous
• Better Understanding of: