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

Related Resources:

• Minka homes
  • MyMinka.com
  • NPR Interview with Bill Thomas on Minka
  • Minka at University of Southern Indiana
  • Can This Tiny House Solve Senior Housing Shortage?
• ChangingAging.org
  • Minka MAGIC Homes and Communities
  • Independence Rising
  • Changing Aging Tour
• Saying No to Pervasive Ageism
• VILLAGE OF HOPE: Plans unveiled for dementia-friendly housing facility