I came across this article about a new movement in France. Leave it to feminist to challenge traditional modes of retirement. http://en.rfi.fr/france/20130305-babayagas-house
There's no reason people cannot start something similar in the US. With the rising number of retirees, that would be a great approach. Retirement can be lonely and loneliness can be fatal.
If any of you know of similar movements, please share.