Our tenth Journey: Voices and Reflections of GEN Elders

In ecovillages around the world, part of what makes community culture so rich and meaningful is the recognition that every stage of life holds value. Just as children bring energy, freshness and curiosity into the collective, elders bring depth, experience and wisdom. This intergenerational web is essential for the health and resilience of any community — and yet, in much of Western society, the role of elders has been diminished and their voices too often unheard.

In contrast, many ecovillages are actively trying to reweave this thread. As more and more community members cross into the “autumn and winter” seasons of their lives, it becomes increasingly important to give these phases the space and honour they deserve. We are witnessing a steady rise in the number of people aged 60+ in our networks, and with that a renewed invitation to recognise the gifts of slowing down, of long-held perspective and of the kind of wisdom that only a lived life can offer. See also this related article by GEN International speaking about the importance of elders.

Honouring Eldership

Eldership in the ecovillage movement wants to invite another view on it: it doesn’t mean holding onto power — quite the opposite. It means letting go of formal responsibility, while still being present, heard and respected. One example is the story of Eileen Caddy, co-founder of the Findhorn Foundation Community, who passed on responsibility to younger generations while continuing to inspire with her presence and spiritual leadership.

Across our member communities, we see this pattern repeated: founders who shaped the early vision of their ecovillage now take on quieter roles, offering guidance when needed, telling the stories of how their communities came to be, and supporting the younger generation in facing today’s challenges with grounded clarity. This transfer of knowledge is essential. Without it, we risk losing not only the past but the very foundation that helps us navigate the future.

Bridging Generations

At the same time, the handover of responsibility to new generations is a common and not always easy challenge in many communities. It calls for trust, clarity, and shared processes that allow younger members to step into leadership while still drawing on the experience of those who came before.

In our member interviews you can find many of the “elders” and community founders in our network share about the history, challenges as well as sources of resilience their communities rely on. These intimate conversations are available in our members area, where we honour the privacy of those who have generously shared their stories.

A Council of Elders

In this spirit, the GEN Elders Council was created to give space for the voices of long-term pioneers and offer ongoing insight into the network’s evolution. It’s a way to ensure that eldership is not only acknowledged but woven into the fabric of regenerative community life.

At GEN International, the Council of Elders is not a governing body, but a listening and witnessing presence — a space where wisdom is shared, insights are offered, and the deeper currents of our movement are tended to with care. You can learn more about the council and its members here.

Looking Ahead: Tending the Roots at the 2025 Gathering

The upcoming European Ecovillage Gathering 2025, themed “Tending the Roots”, will offer a dedicated space to celebrate the foundational wisdom of the ecovillage movement while nurturing its future growth. This theme invites us to reflect on 30 years of shared experience — from Gaia Education and GEN International to NextGEN and the vibrant regional networks.

By tending these roots, we honour the contributions of elder generations, recognise the resilience of traditional practices (especially those preserved in Eastern Europe), and foster the kind of intergenerational exchange that is vital for co-creating regenerative futures.

As we look ahead, let us continue to build communities where every voice is valued — and where eldership is not only respected but celebrated as a cornerstone of sustainable, thriving community life.