The problem of demographic decline

Aside from the fact that if you want to live with people harmoniously sharing values is a significant part of the equation, this also allows for these communities to be more than merely a convenient way of living. It also provides people with the possibility of finding deep connections with others that have all kinds benefits. On one side it makes it easier to find partners and form families and on the other it makes people far more charitable to those that need extra help.

Households and communities based on shared values recreates the situation that was common once upon a time that meant that young people didn't have to venture too far to find people that they could create a life with. In fact, they probably the neighbour share their values in times gone by. Ideally, by bringing families into these communities the next generation will have an easier time finding partners and having families which can care for their aging parents.

Likewise, the social infrastructure that used to help those that were old and out of work, like friendly societies, that wouldn't just offer material support (like the welfare payments that replaced friendly societies) but came with a lady would pop around with tea and biscuits for a chat. Bringing people together with a shared purpose and values creates strong in the flesh connections between people and engenders the most spectacular kind of charity towards others, the kind that doesn't just give in material things but also in spirit and time (things that we are far more impoverished in today).

The formation of families and care of those that need a bit of extra help are two effects that could be reproduced through strong bonds. Connection with other people is something that no government welfare programme can create and yet in many ways our lack of enduring bonds between people is what has caused much of the material problems associated with demographic decline.

The solution of co-living might be obvious – but you may be asking how the f*** do I find my people to form such a community? And I don't blame you. I feel exactly the same.

The problem with a collective solution, is that it requires you to find a collective willing to join together to solve a problem.