In this podcast Marg talks about growing older and the Lesbian Elders Village.
Summary
In a podcast recorded on May 14, 2012, Marg Curnow discusses the intricacies of growing older within the lesbian community and shares the vision of the Lesbian Elders Village. The interview, conducted in Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand, highlights the challenges and considerations unique to older lesbians, touching upon elder care, estate management, and the aspiration for a supportive living environment.
Curnow, who at the time of the interview was 61, conveys a sense of anticipation rather than immediate identification with being an older lesbian. Curnow's involvement with the Lesbian Elders Village initiative is driven by an awareness of the approaching relevance of issues tied to aging and the desire to proactively address these in a manner that respects and caters to the needs of the lesbian community.
The Lesbian Elders Village, an Auckland-based concept, arose in response to challenges encountered by a couple when seeking appropriate care for Alzheimer's within the lesbian community. The group, comprising roughly 13-14 core members, is actively planning ways to age in a self-determined, affirming environment rather than conforming to heteronormative standards. The venture involves extensive planning, from conceptualizing an ownership structure and village model to navigating the logistical hurdles of acquiring land and funding.
The practicalities of this pioneering project involve striking a balance regarding proximity to the city for feasibility and affordability concerns. The catch-22 of selling existing homes to fund the land purchase, while ensuring interim housing, presents a significant challenge that the group is methodically working to overcome, which may require external support such as grants.
Curnow delves into personal reflections on the death of a partner, discussing the value and importance of community support during times of illness and the end-of-life process. The experience reinforced the importance of proximity and social support, highlighting how communal living can ease the burden on individuals and improve the quality of care.
The interview explores the implications of navigating elder care and end-of-life decisions, emphasizing the need for visibility and informed choice. Curnow illustrates this with a personal account of providing at-home care without embalming, underscoring the importance of knowing available options and making decisions aligned with personal values and environmental considerations.
Discussions around estate management and the significance of wills surface, particularly in the absence of a civil union. The legal intricacies of next of kin status and the importance of expressing wishes in writing to ensure that partners and community are cared for underscore the political and personal dimensions of aging within the lesbian community.
Curnow shares a vision of contributing to grandchildren's upbringing and nurturing good men for a better world, indicating that familial ties and community involvement will prioritize future engagement. Additionally, Curnow considers environmental activism and transition town movements as potential areas of interest, consolidating a commitment to social and ecological responsibility.
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