Who We Are and What We Live By

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

ElderSpirit Community at Trailview 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 in the field of "green" homes for seniors: feelings of loneliness, helplessness, and uselessness.  The residents are engaged in “growing” a community thatencourages allowing and integrating a variety of differences, and living the common values. 

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 at Trailview is a work in progress. May it always be!!!