Ava Thompson (77) - Inner Circle Founder

I met with Ava Thompson in the lounge room at the Inner Circle co-living village she founded 8 years ago together with her current chosen family, Silas and Mela.

A retired psychologist and visionary entrepreneur, she spearheaded a revolution in co-living for older adults. Her inclusive and purpose-built communities fostered intergenerational connections, social support, and shared experiences, redefining the concept of aging itself. “I found myself aging and looking for company, but everywhere I looked, the world was built for young people. So I thought, ‘what if we had an equivalent of a SOHO house for the silver generation, that would be a gamechanger,’ and so the journey began.”

But she didn’t stop there: Ava is an outspoken advocate for alternative family structures and reshaped the concept of family in later life. Inspired by Sophie Lewis, she became a prominent champion of chosen families, blended families, and multi-generational households. Her thoughtful exploration galvanized countless people to embrace diverse familial bonds, especially in old age.

“As you get older”, she told me, “losing friends and loved ones is a reality that you will have to face. In the early 20s of this millennium, I realized how much pain and suffering the age-old, stiff and traditionally nuclear family model was causing, particularly to aging people who lost their partner and are lonely. Did you know that loneliness is the #1 killer of people above 70? Not cancer, not heart attacks, not dementia.”

Ava stresses that chosen families based on friendships are making it so much easier to continue living and enjoying life at old age, to adapt to changes and to overcome losses. Having a rich social life, deep connections with those around you and even a joyful love life makes you live longer, happier and healthier.

“It’s been quite a revolution. And for those who do embrace it, it’s still an important step of commitment. But what a joy it is every time to see someone flourish and truly live life again once they find their new close community!”

At the end of our interview, she put her arms around Silas and Mela, and with a smile she whispered to me: “You know, at my age I realized you have to build and cherish the close relationships you have, and never let them go.”