According to the dictionary, community is “a term for groups of people living in somewhat close association, and usually under common rules.” It is also any social group who shares a common cultural or historical heritage, or similar characteristics or interests. Communities come in all shapes and sizes. And like all other aspects of midlife, Boomers seem to be redefining what community means to them as they age. Gone are the years of moving to “retirement communities” and exclusive, age-restricted housing developments. For the most part, Boomers don’t want to be segregated into Boomer-only environments. Instead, they want integrated, lifelong communities containing housing types and amenities for all age groups, because intergenerational surroundings and being close to family are what Boomers prefer. Gone too is the traditional migration to more suburban areas and warmer climates. Many Boomers plan to age in place which could create a very large upsurge in urban older Americans. This demographic shift is already challenging the conventional thinking of urban developers, architects, and designers who are having to find new ways of organizing neighborhoods, retail services, recreation, parks and transportation infrastructures.

Another lifestyle trend that started back in 1960s Denmark, co-housing, may also be making a comeback among Boomers.  Cohousing is a type of intentional community composed of private homes with full kitchens, supplemented by extensive common facilities like a community kitchen and dining room, laundry, gym and tool room. A cohousing community is planned, owned and managed by the residents who have come together because they want more interaction with their neighbors. Through spatial design as well as shared social and management activities, cohousing can facilitate intergenerational interaction among residents. There are also economic and environmental benefits that come from sharing resources, space and tools. While co-housing used to be a fringe movement, it is now resonating with Boomers as well as younger generations who are all searching for community and looking to pool resources. There are more than 113 operating communities in the U.S. currently with more than 100 others in the planning stages.