The Babayagas’ house, a feminist alternative to old people’s homes, opens in Paris.

[elleng]

It’s been 15 years in the making but the Babayagas’ House, a name taken from Slavic mythology meaning “witch”, has just been inaugurated in Montreuil, on the east side of Paris.

It’s a self-managed social housing project devised and run by a community of dynamic female senior citizens who want to keep their independence, but live communally.

“To live long is a good thing but to age well is better,” says 85 year old Thérèse Clerc who dreamt up the project back in 1999.

“Growing old is not an illness,” says the elegant, feisty Clerc. “We want to change the way people see old age,” and that means “learning to live differently.”

http://www.english.rfi.fr/france/20130305-babayagas-house

[hollysmom]

1. I have wanted to start one here in NJ. I thought what a great opportunity.

but I was thinking small and including a few friends. I mean I can walk to everything in this town, and festivals, etc. there are free town buses at the corner (1/4 mile) that take you shopping, etc. and there are all sorts of senior functions like AC trips and theater trips and beach trips, etc on a town bus. And the town is only 4 square miles, so everyting in town can be waked to and enjoy. I thought we could have separate bedrooms and living rooms and share the kitchens and the bathrooms. or not. and share the yard and one big room.

[pnwmom]

2. That's wonderful for what it is, but it doesn't sound like it would work for residents

who have substantial physical or cognitive disabilities. What happens when they develop them down the line?

Residents were selected partly in relation to what they could contribute to the “community” and the extent to which they shared the Babayaga philosophy.

[ellenrr]

3. Living in a "senior building" in the states

it is a constant 24-hour struggle not to let the institutional mindset warm one's personality. True it's not an institution like a jail or a mental health prison - I can leave any time I want.

But where would I go? I'd be homeless.

Living here is better than being homeless. Mostly.

The Babayagas looks like a wonderful idea. Bet there is a waiting list 10 miles long.
Why isn't that a norm?

[TexasBushwhacker]

4. I would love this n/t