Cluster Villages - 55+ ??

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The other day, whilst visiting a friend, I went for a walk through part of her retirement village. I saw an area of it which would suit me - just fine. I spoke to my husband about it later and he said ' over my dead body' - well of course - with that attitude it probably will be.

However we got to talking about the pro's and con's of what I had just seen and came to some conclusions. Why are these ideal villages for elderly folk only. We thought about our experiences visiting friends in Singapore, where, apart from extra frills and luxuries to justify the extra costs of the luxury housing clusters, most citizens share a similar type of housing arrangement.

As you know Singapore is a tiny Island State which is home to a very high population.(over 3.5million Singaporeans and nearly 4.5 million counting in foreigners residing for work or other purposes). This population is contained within a land mass of 637.5 sq.km. together with beautiful parks, museums, a world class zoo and bird park. There is no feeling of being hemmed in or squashed, for most of the residents. The reason is because of their cluster housing concept. Each block of low rise housing with green space, swimming pool or tennis courts, children's play areas, shops and local restaurants. Now I'm not naive and know this did not happen by stealth or allowing everyone to do their own thing, however I think there are certainly some huge advantages to this type of development to take cognisance of.

We know that with the impending issues of climate change, peak oil production and such, we need to radically change some of our ways of thinking. This type of housing could answer a lot of issues we see today. More affordable housing for all. Open spaces where children play safely within sight of their families and neighbours. Cheaper heating options with energy efficient devices for the cluster rather than individuals. More family time as families will have less responsibility to care for their 1/4 acre kingdom. Communal vegetable gardens. Work for gardeners and greenkeepers to keep the green spaces orderly. More space for really large trees to help with clean air etc.

Better mental health outcomes and respect and neighbourly care for each other. All ages teaching tolerance and reinstating values to lonely kids - many of whom have no experience of intergenerational living in the mess we have created.

The list goes on. So why do we not stop and take a good hard look at where we are going and start thinking outside the 1/4 acres square, rectangle etc.

Start looking at how we can create a Utopia here on Earth and do our bit to save the future for the next generations.

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