Photo: Joe Okpako
New Ground, London's commune for older women, began in 1998, with six women who wanted to create an older women's co-housing community, and opened in 2016, with 25 apartments -- of which eight are social housing -- and communal areas, a flat where friends and relatives can stay, and a common house where they can eat together, watch films and attend groups and classes. There are currently 26 residents, ranging from 55 to 93. They don't provide medical or personal care, but they do look out for each other; a 'buddy' system means they will notice, for instance, if their neighbor doesn't put their lights on, and support is there if it's needed. The residents often meet local councillors or give talks on co-housing and its benefits, particularly for older people. The UK has an ageing population, and New Ground shows how older people can be self-sufficient.
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