Community Living For Women
A new revolution for elder women and I love it!
Not one for binge watching a TV series, but last night, I watched 3 episodes back to back of the new TV drama ‘The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart’.
Have you seen it? OMG, I am hooked.
Obviously it helps that the protagonist ‘June’ is played by one of my ‘old bird role models’ Sigourney Weaver. This is a tale based on the enduring suffering caused by male violence on vulnerable women. Warning: it does leave you with a heavy heart as it focuses deeply on the harsh and stark reality of what domestic abuse goes on behind closed doors.
Rather than focus too much on the dark side of the series, I was transfixed by the sense of community and strong bond these women had created, mainly due to the fact that they had no choice but to come together and live under the same roof.
It oozes with strong warrior women, fed up with being treated like second class citizens, so they take matters into their own hands. Providing a safe house for women in need. It was evident that their maternal desire to support, care and nurture their own kind was their main priority.
It’s a brilliant, but at times, tough watch. I adored the way they weaved the storylines in and around the flower farm, with each flower symbolising a meaning or metaphor to life. If nothing else the cinematography is beautifully shot.
In my humble opinion it is a brilliant yet thought provoking series, with twists and turns that keep you craving for more.
Following on from the series, I was reminded by
about an interesting article in the Guardian a few days ago, titled ‘We have brothers, sons, lovers - but they can’t live here!’ The happy home shared by 26 women. It highlights the good work coming out of ‘New Ground’ - one of the UK’s first co-housing communities for women only - hallelujah to this!Here is the article if you’d like to read it - https://tinyurl.com/yc2wsek5
This kind of story brings me so much joy and I’ll explain why…
Women, usually out live the male species and whether or not you’ll be with a partner in your elder years, the option to be able to live with other like-minded ladies is one I would highly consider.
It is heartbreaking knowing how many women live alone, refuse to turn the heating on or buy a weekly grocery shop because they don’t have enough money or family close by. I do believe that a co-housing community would bring so much hope and comfort for single elder women.
I imagine it would be paradise for some, where friendships blossom, traditional artisan skills put back into practice and where slow living is in abundance - what’s not to love about this way of living?!
What do you think?
Can you imagine living with another 20 or so women in your elder years?
Granted, I would want my own space, for when I needed time alone to write, read and relax, then I would definitely require a place to retreat to. But I’d enjoy spending time with my female neighbours, especially those who are passionate about their hobbies such as sewing, gardening, cooking, baking, writing, drawing and the list goes on.
Why live alone, in what should be your best years, and why not come together as wise warrior women?! I’m imagining these women, at times, inviting the younger generations in for tea and cake, where wisdom can be shared and positive tales told. The perfect opportunity to bring the sisterhood back together!
As a midlife woman, I’m thinking more about what it’s like to age more purposefully and gracefully. The idea of living in communities with elder women isn’t just a response to economic pressures: it’s a revolutionary approach to ageing that celebrates the power of connection, mutual care and collective wisdom.
This is how I can imagine women living their elder years with ease.
Maybe just maybe my golden years will be truly golden!
Until the next time
Take care & stay safe xx
I definitely could imagine it! I do worry about being lonely when I am older x
I am definitely up for reinforcing sisterhood. But as an older woman, on balance I prefer living on my own, with my own space, physically and mentally and being able to meet up with and develop new friendships. Connection, mutual care and wisdom can be shared across communities as a whole. I shouldut my hand up and say my views have been slightly coloured by working, for many years, reviewing and remodelling many different types of older persons accomoodation/communities.
I would rather invite people in for wine and cheese rather than team and cake. My cakes are rubbish 🤣🤣.