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The Multi-Gens

By ASHEVILLE REALTY REFERRAL RESOURCE 828-776-0779

Real Estate Broker/Owner with REAL ESTATE REFERRAL NETWORK 209970

March 05, 2013 10:54 PM

Multi-Gen Eye-Openers

We took a stroll around the perimeter of an evolving eco village recently. Our friends, who are Multi-Gens have aging-in-place (or as I call it, Aging in PA L A C E) in mind. And so, with four very active older adults, their married daughter and son-in-law and and one grandson, we continue to explore Asheville’s offerings.

Doing this kind of home-hunting can be a real eye-opener - a chance to get glimpse at what is on the horizon for older adults that also can accommodate many generations- regardless of age or physical ability.

Influence in Design and Outcomes

“Baby Boomers” wield serious consumer buying power. It seems, more and more, this large group affects home design. But will the influence of the “Mulit-Gens” grow?

"I think that there has been a rediscovery of the importance of intergenerational ties in recent years, partly perhaps because marriages have become more fragile, partly because adult kids often delay marriage long enough so that they socialize more with their parents in their 20s, and partly because more democratic and individualized child-rearing values have led to a greater sense of closeness," said Stephanie Coontz, a professor of history and family studies at The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington.

The Cooperative Environment

Here in Asheville, we find that is true. Families are choosing a cooperative environment. They tell us that - indeed- mutually beneficial outcomes do arise for all members regardless of age or physical ability. It appears that whether they belong to the “Sandwich Generations” - their parents’ age-group- or the “Boomerang Generation” multi-generational families are opting to enjoying greater comfort and energy savings.

Is this true in your neck o' the woods? Let me know...

More on Aging Front Runners and the Multi-Gens

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Ron and Alexandra Seigel

Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA

Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

janeAnne,

Excellent discussion on the subject of multi-generational. This brings us back to the concept of the compound where families live in the same compound but in different structures. It is reminiscent of the Hawaian concept of " ohana", or family--no one left behind. A

Mar 05, 2013 11:01 PM

John McCormack, CRS

Albuquerque Homes Realty - Albuquerque, NM

Honesty, Integrity, Results, Experienced. HIRE Me!

Good morning janeAnne -

Your knowledge and aging-in-place is outstanding and so needed this day in time. We are dealing with Debbie's parents not really being able to live alone but not wanting to relocated 1400 miles to live near us. We're working through it but it's hard... Hard on them and us.

Mar 05, 2013 11:15 PM

Bill Roberts

Brooks and Dunphy Real Estate - Oceanside, CA

"Baby Boomer" Retirement Planner

Hi janeAnne, Here in San Diego we have an exemption to SFR building codes for a "granny flat" which is usually an addition to the house or over the garage that amounts to an apartment. I think this kind of multi-generational housing is very desirable because it allows the older generation to "live" with their kids but still have privacy and autonomy.

Mar 06, 2013 12:43 AM

Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP

DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX

Selling Homes Changing Lives

Hi janeAnne: First I want to applaud you for mixing things up a bit and getting me to think about the concept, "Aging in Place," to "Aging in pALace." What a novel idea. Your creativity astonishes me!

This is topic we all need to think about and ponder seriously. Here in my area of Texas, I find most people are not native to the state; rather a diverse group of people who have relocated over the years because of job opportunities. I am one of those and what happens, is that we are apart from the clan we were born into, as are many of our siblings. This always makes it difficult when it comes to holidays, weddings, funerals, and special life events where the expectation of family unity is important. Are people happier pursuing life goals, and going after the gold, or is time to re-evaluate and make family first? When it comes to security, a job doesn't guarantee happiness. They say blood is thicker than water - I think that's true.

So what is on the horizon for older adults? If we're lucky, we will live a long and bountiful life, but what happens to the extended family, or family members that can't live by themselves anymore, or have the ability or inability to care for loved ones?

The Cooperative Environment sounds intriguing and something we all need to pay attention to, especially when house-hunting. I agree with Stephanie Coontz, our society as a whole is fragile and broken. From what I see, hear, and know about that is true about you, Asheville is a trendsetter for the nation.

Mar 06, 2013 08:40 AM

Toni Weidman

Sailwinds Realty - Trinity, FL

20+ Years Selling Homes in New Port Richey, FL

janeAnne - the "sandwich" generation sure needs homes with several living areas. Great idea for the new lifestyles of baby boomers.

Mar 06, 2013 08:41 PM

Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES

Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch! - Spring Hill, FL

Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living

janeAnne, multi generational housing or living has really been the norm for generations before us with extended families living together or at least nearby. The "single family home" seems to be a more modern invention. Thinking nap out it, I grew up for years in a multi-gen home when my grandmother came to live with us. Maybe it wasn't always ideal but it also provided many advantages.

Mar 08, 2013 10:06 AM

The Multi-Gens

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