Who We Are and What We Live By

Our Mission is: "To be a participatory community of mutual support in which all spiritual paths are respected and encouraged."

ElderSpirit community in Abingdon, Virginia is a unique intentional community that has combined many components in such a way that a lifestyle for pro-active elders has purpose and meaning.  The components are: co-housing in a mixed income community, member-management, spirituality, and mutual support.

ElderSpirit community is an experiment in affirmative aging.  The community was created as an antidote to "the three negatives of aging" as defined by Bill Thomas, a pioneer with the "greenhouse" movement: feelings of loneliness, helplessness, and boredom.  Residents at ElderSpirit are engaged in “growing” a community that encourages allowing and integrating a variety of differences, and living the common values.  At the same time we are engaged in "growing" ourselves, encouraging personal development and growth.

It is exciting! What has emerged from the group is an entity that no single individual could have imagined or implemented, including activities that are community-generated.

Late-life spirituality is being defined on an ongoing daily basis through service, prayer and deepening relationships.  Mutual support is being lived by not just taking a meal to someone but learning to give and receive help in such a way that both parties feel valued.

ElderSpirit community is a work in progress. May it always be!!!

This community welcomes all, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, elderliness, or national origin.