Communes for the elderly?

Question

Reading a question here earlier about what other freebees seniors are 'owed' by the government got me thinking about this because I'm not looking for anything from the gov but my Social Security, which is money I paid in.

But it seems to me one way the elderly could help and support one another would be to join together to form subsistence farms. There are small farms going to ruin all over this country, many to be had cheap.

No single SS check would buy one, but a dozen pooled would easily make payments while leaving a lot left. Pooling transportation would also save a bunch.

It's amazing how much food can be grown on 20 acres of land provided a person doesn't depend on it except for shelter and sustenance. A person can't live well on a single SS check. But a dozen checks and a dozen people working together to better their lots would be an entirely different matter.

I think it beats government handouts all to pieces.

What do you think?

Lovelyday: Not for everyone, for certain. But 20 shelters scattered over 20-30 acres doesn't quite equate to 'living together'. Some of us tried communes a long time ago and we know the pitfalls. They can be overcome, I'd think.

Gladys: I've nothing to base it on, but I suspect Mennonites might do something of the sort.
J

I almost wish someone else had asked this question so I could have answered.
Jack

Answer 1

All you need is eight more people and you have the first one !!!! If one works then more will follow and if not it would be worth the effort to have one !!!

Answer 2

Gee, Wally had a great question very similar to this a few months ago... it was hypothetical however, as I'm sure your question is.

We had some pretty wonderful ideas going... we all have different skills and different things that we are capable of doing~ physically I mean! Hell, I wear boots or crocks so I don't have to bend over to tie or buckle anything up! The back you know!

I've managed to grow a lot in containers, we even cut a whole in the bottom for our upside down tomatoes! Square foot gardening is a wonderful thing!

My days of plowing the fields are over as my A s s refuses to do this type of work anymore! I was talking about an animal there, Maisie... she is now lazy, naw, she is just worn out!

OK, seriously... it's a grand idea. And, could work with the right amount of trust and legal documentation to CYA!! Not trying to hard time you here... I think it could be done.

Answer 3

There is a concept that has been in existance for a number of years -cohousing. Groups of people get together and build a community. It takes different forms depending on the group of course. One that I have been in touch with is Manzanita Village in Prescott, AZ. People seem to love it. Another group started up in the San Francisco East Bay.

Of course, there still is The Farm in Tennessee, if you want the 60s commune scene. It is still in existance too, however it has changed dramatically, for the better I hope.

Answer 4

I think they would work about as well as the ones in the 60s. Personally I have no desire what so ever to live and interact with a bunch of strangers. I already worked most of my life and don't intend to work anymore. That includes farming, cooking for a large group of people, doing all of that laundry. I like my privacy, my right to have lazy days when I do nothing, and to alone when I wish. I don't want to be responsible for someone else. Nor do I wish to be someone else's responsibility. I want my money to be mine and not go into a communal kitty.

Answer 5

It's a good idea for those interested in something like this. I see many people losing or selling their land and farms here because of high taxes that they can't afford to pay any longer. I found out after we moved here that most of the land in this area used to be farms. I now see more and more going for housing developments and subdivisions as well as stores on every corner. It would be great if there were a way for people to join together to save farms and put them to good use.---Luvs

Answer 6

I think a commune for the elderly would be a good thing, but as for working the farm there are many who would not be able to and then we would require employees and that would take a big chunk of cash. It could work with a little help from younger family members pitching in with the harvesting etc.

Answer 7

Interesting idea Jack. Living in a rural area, we have participated in a farming co-operative where a farmer will bring in their extra harvest in exchange for another farmer's extra harvest. It's a win-win situation in most cases becauses some crops that would go to waste are now used. I would think that this could be extended beyond crops, to include goods and services, etc. I like it - I wonder if this is being done somewhere in our world?

Answer 8

It sounds good..but being for the elderly it wouldnt take long before some became too frail to contribute to general upkeep...leaving the younger more active to carry more of the load. On the upside , reading these answers...you would have a great mix of skills.

Answer 9

I have long thought about this concept. It seems like such a good idea that I am surprised that "elder" communities do not already exist. The elite/privileged have exclusive swanky "retirement" communities.

I am concerned that perhaps if this concept took root, the media and our government would start labeling them as "cults", and then wipe them out like "Waco".

Even more distressing is that a "Soylent Green" type existence is looming on our horizon.

Answer 10

it would indeed beat government handouts, providing you could get a group of feisty opinionated old farts to cooperate long enough....a person can be good - but people very often are bad, and anything run by committee is an instrument of torture.

Answer 11

can you see a bunch of old cranky codgers trying to live together? Seriously, it's a good idea but I dont think you'll find too many people in that age group willing to pool their resources and live communally.