Boomers From Around the Nation (and the World) Building Community in Oakland

As the first senior cohousing community in the San Francisco Bay Area, Phoenix Commons is attracting members from other parts of California, the United States, and even from overseas! Most of them are planning to relocate to the Bay Area in order to be closer to family; all of them are drawn to Phoenix Commons for its unique community culture, state-of-the-art design and convenient, walkable location.

Those of you who have been following Phoenix Commons know about our commitment to education and conscious aging. All community members complete the Aging Boldly in Community (ABC) workshop series presented by our nonprofit partner, Elders Village. Now, thanks to the marvels of modern technology, they can attend the workshops virtually via webcam!

Our first virtual ABC workshop was held yesterday and was a huge success. Participants joined in from Southern California, the Sierras, the East Coast, and even the Middle East! Much of the discussion focused on the demographics of our aging society and the changing nature of retirement. (For an excellent, 5-minute video exploring the implications of an aging society, check out Coming of Age in Aging America.)

It is so inspiring to see Baby Boomers embrace their “Third Age” and join together intentionally to create an environment that will support their independence and social connection in the coming years. The senior cohousing movement is still in its infancy in the United States, but it is growing rapidly and it’s exciting to be at the forefront!