Many boomers plan to stay active in their senior years, and don't relish the idea of living in a nursing home with no real connection to friends and family. They want options in housing and lifestyle.

The Yarrow Ecovillage will host a 10-week study group to look at issues such as: collective decision-making, conflict resolution, the economics of elderhood, realities of getting older, co-healing, aging in place and community and the philosophy of aging.

A co-housing group is set up like a strata, with residents owning their homes, but there is an emphasis on collaborative community.

Yarrow Ecovillage encompasses three distinct features:

? a 32-unit multigenerational cohousing community, including 17 units for seniors ranging from $200,000 to $350,000.

? 20 acres of organic farmland with farmers who live on-site.

? a planned Granville-Island style commercial area with artisan shops, boutiques, amenities, cafés and a farmers' market.

Yonas Jongkind, resident and project manager of the cohousing development at Yarrow Ecovillage, will be one of three facilitators leading the study group.

Jongkind, like Margaret Critchlow, the cofounder of the Canadian Senior Cohousing Society, trained with Charles Durrett, co-author of The Senior Cohousing Handbook and architect of the Yarrow Ecovillage's multigenerational and seniors' cohousing developments. Ingrid Jones, a retired career counselor and resident of the Ecovillage, and Henry Wieler, a former school teacher and property developer, are also presenters.

Critchlow will speak about her insights and experiences at a public presentation tonight (Jan. 24) at 7 p.m. at the Clearbrook Library, 32320 George Ferguson Way, Abbotsford.

This presentation will introduce the 10-week study group starting February 8.

- For more information see www.yarrowecovillage.ca/seniors or email to seniorscohousing@yarrowecovillage.com. For more information about seniors cohousing in Canada see canadianseniorcohousing.com.