Community Update (8/01/24)

Village Voices

Village Voices is a place for ANV members and volunteers to share a poem, a favorite quote, a recipe, a restaurant or movie review, a joke, or a riddle. Submissions are welcome at any time by sending an email to Office@ANVarlington.org (subject line, “Village Voices”).

Pat Burke shared these recipes for refreshing and light summer meals:

Watermelon cut in bite size chunks (hydrating), crumbled feta cheese (a little protein) and chopped mint leaves.  Easy to make and very refreshing.

Also, two light summer sandwiches:

Thinly slice cucumber, light cream cheese, and thin sliced wheat bread. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on a slice of bread, top with a layer of thinly sliced cucumber, top with another slice of bread spread with the cream cheese.

Then, the classic southern tomato sandwich; one thick slice of tomato between two slices of bread spread with mayo. I skip the salt and add a dash of pepper.

“Boommates,” Good for Loneliness and the Pocketbook Too!

Recently much has been said about “Intergenerational Housing,” partly to address the housing crisis, and partly to address the real estate that exists partly empty in our country. Here in Arlington, we know that there are many “empty nesters” who have space they do not use, yet they do not want to move out of their beloved neighborhoods to downsize.

The Washington Post addressed this country-wide issue in an article on June 20, 2024, and most of this article is derived from that. The Post spotlighted a couple who had a large house in Tennessee that they began to share with renters. They realized that they enjoyed it so much that they continued to do this with a succession of families and individuals for over 20 years. The home owner, now 76, is among the (76 million) baby boomers (born 1946-1964) who provided housing for younger families so they can live closer to work and good schools. She also rented to older individuals and families, and had no problem with any of their renters.

But, let’s first consider benefits to our communities. Baby-boomer households without children at home own an estimated 28 per cent of the nation’s large (3+ bedrooms) houses; this compares with 14 per cent of millennial households with children. The housing crunch has prevented many younger individuals and families from owning homes. Some seniors who needed to give up their house but would like to share with others seek seniors with whom they share common interests. And local laws often prohibit building separate apartments onto existing houses. Arlington County has strict laws regarding Accessory Dwelling Units, tightly limiting the square footage, and lived in by no more than two people. Many Arlington requirements about fire doors, separate laundries, kitchens, and front doors, make building an ADU rather expensive (full disclosure, the author lives in one). However, one can bring “roommates” into their own homes, on their own terms. And, having multiple generations living in a neighborhood brings vitality and people to help build and sustain the neighborhood. Schools thrive.  Community centers flourish. Holiday celebrations begin to start new traditions!

Older homeowners know the value of their homes. Often, they have low or no mortgage payments. But, they have maintenance issues that are difficult to manage by themselves, so must hire others to do this. (Luckily, this is where ANV may be helpful with minor maintenance issues and chores). Some older people find that if they rent to younger people (such as a graduate student who will be here for a few years) they can discount rent in exchange to the renter doing minor chores.

Most of the people the Post interviewed said they were delighted and at times surprised at how the additional company in the house raised their spirits. Some of these blended households ended up sharing some dinners, movies, outings and holidays together which enriched the lives of all involved. One family with very young children became like family, and the homeowners felt like grandparents. All said that the mutual help given and received was so worthwhile that they would do it again.

About 947,000 people over 65 now live with unrelated roommates (2022 U.S. census data), and about 50 per cent of them are younger adults. So, how does this come about?  What if you have always felt “I do not want a roommate, and never did”. And, of course, this arrangement is not for everyone. But what if one is experiencing loneliness and difficulty managing a big house, and wonders if this could work. One thing that changes with aging is people become more definite and clear on what they do and do not want in life. So, making a list of pros and cons of having a roommate could narrow down the type of person you may consider renting to. One may do this on specific terms, such as a 6-month trial, with conditions laid out (there are websites to help with this). And having a friend help you with this could add confidence to your choice.

There are also services to help people find boommates. According to the Post article, you can search for a homesharing agency near you; the National Shared Housing Resource Center lists about 50 nonprofits. These agencies can help you set the limits and conditions you desire, and suggest others that they have found helpful.

 

Also of Interest

Aging Matters Radio and TV  

Aging Matters radio is a weekly program, hosted by Cheryl Beversdorf, and features interviews with experts on topics impacting the lives of older adults, their care partners, and families. Every Tuesday at 3 pm, a new Aging Matters broadcast is posted  on Apple and Spotify podcast sites. Aging Matters TV Show offers interviews with aging experts, including demonstrations of aging related subjects. Stories of Life programs feature interviews with older adults who have made a difference in their communities.

Complimentary membership in Arlington’s 55+ Program is available as an ANV membership benefit. If you haven’t yet opted-in and would like to do so, contact our Member Services Director at 703-509-8057. 55+ Program offerings are posted in the quarterly catalogue available online (Summer Guide).

ANV Events are posted on our online calendar so you can always easily find the Zoom link for any scheduled event.