082- Interview: Bill Thomas on Housing & Communities as Engines of Independence in Aging

In This Episode:

Dr. K talks with geriatrician Bill Thomas, MD, founder of ChangingAging.org. They discuss his recent efforts to “escape from the gerosphere” and focus on aging as late-life development, by changing our stories about aging and fostering better housing and communities. They cover:

What are the general misconceptions and assumptions of aging
Changing the narrative from “aging problems” to “later life development”
Why housing and communities are engines of independence and are essential to better aging
Why we should focus on creating MAGIC: Multi-Ability, multi-Generational, Inclusive Communities
What to say to older adults who want to live in homes that aren’t serving them well
Why you should consider whether your home is “future-proofed”
What is a Minka house
Changing Aging’s current projects innovating with Minka and MAGIC
How and why we should address ableism and ageism, including within ourselves
Co-housing and other options for older adults interested in better places to live and grow older

Related episodes:

055 – Interview: Bill Thomas on Ageism & Innovations to Improve Aging

074 – Interview: How the Village Model Supports Aging in Place & Community

035 – Interview: Aging in the Right Place