eldercollective

Eldercollective is a term used to describe networks or organizations that place older adults at the center of community life, using cooperative action to address aging-related needs, share knowledge, and foster intergenerational ties. The term is applied across contexts, from neighborhood mutual-aid groups to formal cooperatives and online platforms that coordinate volunteers, caregivers, and elders themselves.

Purpose and activities: Elders participate as co-decision makers in projects such as eldercare cooperatives, shared housing initiatives, digital literacy programs for seniors, storytelling and archival projects, and intergenerational mentoring. Collectives emphasize accessibility, consent-based governance, and transparent resource management. They often employ participatory budgeting, volunteer networks, and peer-to-peer support.

Organization and governance: Most eldercollectives operate on volunteer or member-led models with consensus or sociocratic decision processes. They prioritize inclusivity for people with mobility restrictions, cognitive differences, and diverse cultural backgrounds. Funding may come from grants, donations, in-kind support, or shared-cost arrangements.

Impact and reception: Supporters argue that eldercollectives make aging more visible and sustainable, preserve tacit knowledge, reduce isolation, and strengthen local resilience. Critics note challenges including funding volatility, governance complexity, and balancing elder autonomy with caregiving responsibilities among families and communities.

See also: age-friendly cities; mutual aid; eldercare; co-housing; intergenerational programs.