2007/2008 CPH Magazine - College of Public Health - University of ...

Institute of GerontologyElderSpiritAnneGlassAnne Glass keeps a framed photo of her great aunt Bettyin her office. In the photo, her silver hair in a sleek topknot,the older woman laughs uproariously with a younger Anne.It’s because of her great aunt that Glass pursued her career,she says.“She was just really wonderful,” she says. “She lived tobe 105. She stayed interested in people and was very positive.Even at the nursing home, everyone called her Aunt Betty. Shegave me a positive idea about aging.”Now, Glass, who is assistant director and graduate coordinatorof the Institute of Gerontology and an assistant professorof health policy and management, is conducting researchat ElderSpirit Community, the nation’s first elder co-housingcommunity, located in Abingdon, Va.The concept began in Denmark in the 1980s, says Glass,but it’s new to the United States. At ESC, the community isdesigned to encourage older people to come together and interactwith each other. The community is unique for severalreasons, Glass says, including a focus on mutual support and aspiritual component. It is also affordable for people of moderateand low incomes,.In a setting like that, residents are able to make friends andcope togetherwith the challenges they face as they age. Glassremembers two women she interviewed separately last sum-16 College of Public Health