Dawdy Haus (grandfather's house) — a small house or addition next to the main one. Parents move in when they pass the farm to children.
How It Works
Father ages → passes farm to oldest (or youngest — depends on community) son. Builds an addition: 2-3 rooms, kitchen, own stove. Lives nearby, helps as able, doesn't interfere with young family. Often cook together. Grandchildren run in every hour.
Why It Works
Elders aren't lonely (main elderly problem in modern world). Don't lose status (advice, experience, stories). Cost society nothing (no state nursing homes). See grandchildren daily. Help as they can (minor repairs, childcare, cooking).
Contrast
American nursing home: $5,000-10,000/month. Loneliness. Strangers. Depression. Death in institutional walls. Dawdy Haus: $0/month. Family. Grandchildren. Dignity. Death at home, among your own.
Fact
Amish don't pay Social Security and don't receive pensions. Don't need them — children = pension. Dawdy Haus = retirement plan that's worked for 300 years.