Eldershire: Transforming the Culture of AgingThe Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging partnered with the Vital Aging Network (VAN) (Off Site), Twin Cities Public Television (tpt), and Evercare to welcome nationally renowned geriatrician Dr. Bill Thomas who spoke on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 about transforming the culture of aging. The geriatrician, Dr. Bill (William H.) Thomas, and his wife, Jude, are innovators who dedicate their lives to transforming the culture of aging. Their Eden Alternative has revolutionized thinking about nursing home environments. Their Green House Project pioneered neighborhood homes that provide residential long-term care for frail elders. Eldershire, their new residential alternative for pro-active adults, challenges traditional thinking about "retirement communities.” The aim is to draw elders, and those who wish to be with elders, to a place where they can grow, contribute, be supported in who they are, and not have to ever leave unless they choose to do so. Eldershire, will be an elder-rich intergenerational cohousing community. Universal and sustainable design principles will be employed in the design of homes and common buildings. The design will foster informal, spontaneous social interaction while preserving home ownership and an essential zone of privacy. Bill Thomas believes that Eldershire will "create a haven where people can live into elderhood in the context of a vibrant, supportive community." This concept promotes growth throughout the last half of life, where elderhood is understood not as an age or legal status, but a self-determined transition and legacy. Avalon will be the first Eldershire demonstration project, comprising 30 log homes surrounding a common house and gardens on a hilltop in Sherburne, New York. This Eldershire community will take advantage of its proximity to the farm of Bill and Jude Thomas – on which there is also a wildlife refuge, conference center, guesthouse and 11-circult walking labyrinth. The hope is that urban and suburban projects will soon be developed as additional models for elder-rich cohousing communities, promoting lifelong growth and well-being nationwide. The forum coincides with the tpt release of "ALMOST HOME" (Off Site) scheduled to air on April 16th. Almost Home is a stunningly intimate feature-length, cinema verité film that follows the stories of residents, families and workers in a Midwestern nursing home as they struggle with the personal challenges of aging while trying to transform their century-old hospital-like institution into a true home. Download Dr. Thomas' presentation (.pdf) Download the forum announcement (.pdf) Download the forum press release (.pdf)
Vital Aging Network
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