Trent Community Research Centre

In an era of population aging, many rural communities are investigating alterna- tive living accommodations for older adults. Abbeyfield housing offers a unique, non-profit, community-based, communal-living model that includes private, inde- pendent living space geared towards middle-income seniors. This model has been successful internationally and across Canada including houses in Ottawa, Toronto, Durham, and Caledon. However, before investing in developing this type of non-profit retirement living model, and the social, voluntary-based infrastruc- ture necessary to do so, it is important to thoroughly and accurately understand the local population's needs and preferences to ensure appropriate and effective retirement housing developments. Focusing on the small rural town of Lakefield, Ontario, this community-based research project examined the needs, prefer- ences, and attitudes of older adults and other community members towards re- tirement living, to determine the feasibility and community desire for the devel- opment of an Abbeyfield house in Lakefield.