Why Indianapolis Seniors & Boomers Should Get to Know Dr. Bill Thomas & His Pro-Aging Movement

"I am a firm believer that older people should be allowed to do whatever the hell they want."

- Dr. Bill Thomas, founder, The Eden Alternative and professor at The Erickson School of Aging, University of Maryland/Baltimore County.

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(Dr. Thomas)

In my job as a senior move manager in Indianapolis - one who helps senior adults and their families plan, downsize and prepare for a move into a new home - I consider it my responsibility to help seniors and their families ensure that their new home will be a welcome and workable place for them to grow and strengthen as they age.

I wanted to make sure you know about a very interesting leader in elder care with some intriguing thoughts about how we must perceive seniors in Indianapolis and all across the world. And, if you are a baby boomer or older adult, he provides some fascinating insight into how one can approach the process of aging, put it into perspective, and choose the right path for yourself when it comes to deciding whether to move into a smaller home, a retirement community or a more unique environment.

Dr. Bill Thomas is considered to be a visionary leader in geriatric medicine and elder care and has made it his business to change the culture surrounding how we view the aging process and treat our elders. He's the founder of two movements to reshape long-term care globally – The Eden Alternative and Green House Project.

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Bill’s Eden Alternative philosophy put forward a radical critique of long-term care and offered a creative way to “change the culture” of nursing homes by bringing growth and laughter into the lives of elders.

According to his website, Dr. Thomas' Green House® Project creates small, intentional communities where 7-10 elders and staff focus on living full and vibrant lives. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has awarded $15 million to support rapid replication of the model in all 50 states.

Central among his philosophies with the Eden Alternative is the belief that aging should be a continued stage of development and growth, rather than a period of decline.

In my next blog entry, I'll discuss what Dr. Thomas calls the hidden dangers of a philosophy in eldercare known as "surplus risk." For now, I'll simply introduce you to the work of Dr. Thomas through the links and video below.

Visit Dr. Thomas' "Changing Aging" Website

The Eden Alternative

Video: Indianapolis Cultural & Lifestyle Overview 2012

Need Help Downsizing a Home or Moving an Aging Parent in Indianapolis?

Here's an excellent video that I came across recently detailing the cultural and lifestyle growth that has occurred in Indianapolis over the years. It truly explains why we enjoy living here so much!

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Outdoor Swing Sets and Playgrounds for Older Adults in Indianapolis?

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Imagine if, as an older adult, you moved into a new home or community in Indy or Carmel and discovered that just down the street there was a playground - but one for senior citizens or baby boomers? A playground complete with swings, a teeter-totter and other fun equipment designed specifically for adults. How cool would that be?

It's a fascinating new concept that I came across recently and one which is gaining popularity in places across the globe. While the idea hasn't quite caught on in the United States, I can't help but think this is an idea whose time has come, and a fantastic way for all older adults to more easily exercise.

The way the playgrounds are setup can vary in each neighborhood or suburb in Indianapolis. While an adult playground in Fishers might be focused more on fun, with nothing but adult swings and jungle gyms, another playground next to someplace like the canal in downtown Indy could feature outdoor exercise equipment similar to that found in a gym, but more durable, waterproof and brightly colored.

I, for one, would like to encourage all officials at the local city park and recreation departments to consider such options in the future. What a fabulous addition this would make to public parks all across the area, from Eagle Creek Park to Broad Ripple to Bethel Park and beyond.

Additionally, I think it's a beautiful idea for the many senior retirement communities in Indianapolis to implement outdoors along their walkways and other recreational areas. As a senior move manager in Indianapolis, someone who advises and helps older adults downsize and move into new homes, I would be far more likely to recommend a community or neighborhood that included a recreational area like this!

And don't you think a local playground for senior adults would increase your neighborhood's real estate property values? If you know of someone involved in city or county government in your area, please forward this blog post to them.

So, the next time you buy a house in Marion County or anywhere across the Indianapolis area, ask the real estate agent if there's an adult playground in the neighborhood. It'll be worth it just to see the look on his face.

A link to the company that manufactures this equipment

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Loving Your Indianapolis Senior Like You Love Your Puppy

Last week I wrote about my new puppy Bogart and the many ways in which he and the Indianapolis senior adults that I work with have shown me the importance of a simple enjoyment of life.

After contemplating that article, I realized that Bogart is also quite similar in an entirely different set of ways to many of the aging adults whose lives I help reorganize through downsizing and moving to new homes.

Although Bogart and seniors are on different ends of the age spectrum, he demands an extraordinary amount of attention, perhaps the same level of attention that grown - or boomer - children often find themselves devoting to an aging family member. While that need for attention can at times be overwhelming, he - like a loved one - is a cherished member of the family and it is vital that we show seniors the same sort of respect and adoration that we may heap on a pet.

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Both have a need for love, but not the sort of love that can be smothering. While a restless puppy will happily spend some time in your lap cuddling, at some point he begins to demand his independence and a chance to play on his own or even sneak outdoors for a rendezvous with the squirrels.

We need to allow seniors that same sort of independence. The well-adjusted seniors I've worked with as a senior move manager in Indiana appreciate attention and love, but they also need the opportunity to assert their independence and, as long as physically and mentally feasible, journey outside their homes and continue their lives while enjoying their pursuits and pleasures.

Far too often, I've seen worried family members try to shut down mom and dad's independence. Although in advanced stages of physical and mental decline that may be necessary, such control is often not warranted.

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What an aging loved one typically needs more than anything is reassurance from family members and friends that although the senior may require more help than he or she has needed in the past, there still is a vibrant and happy life waiting for them around the corner.  

That's a point that I always try and share as I work as a senior move organizer to reorganize, downsize or move an Indianapolis senior into a new home: life continues and each stage is simply a new chapter.

I'm thrilled that everyday I enjoy the honor of working to help senior citizens in this capacity.

Thank you, Bogart, for yet another reminder.

What I've Learned from a Puppy and Indianapolis Seniors

When I brought my new puppy into my home this past week I was filled with the same sort of energy and happiness that he exudes. Puppies have a way of doing that with the energy and joyful enthusiasm they happily share with all.

It struck me that the puppy shared some of the same traits as many of the adult seniors I've worked with as a senior move manager in Indianapolis with Yellow Tag Household Sales. Although the physical energy of some seniors may be on the wane, I've had the pleasure of coming across many seniors who are still filled with a sharp, joyful enthusiasm for life.

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As I've helped them plan their move to a new home and organized their belongings, sometimes downsizing and prioritizing the items they wished to take with them into a smaller space, those adult seniors have shared with me so much about their lives and the happiness with which they've lived it. I've heard about the children, grandchildren, careers, hobbies, vacations and the simple pleasures that have made their lives worthwhile.

It seems as though the happiest seniors I've helped move are those best able to enjoy those simple pleasures. Just as though my puppy loves nothing more than chasing a ball and snuggling on my lap, I've learned that life is also about the simple joy of playing ball with the kids or reading a good book to the grandchildren. And oh yes, morning coffee on the porch and a nice evening dip in the hot tub helps too!

You might think that some of the seniors I've helped move into a new home in the Indiana area would be distraught and perhaps a little angry over the fact that a chapter was closing in their lives. But one of the coolest things I've seen as a senior move organizer is the positive attitude that so many have exhibited, often to the point of being excited about the opportunity to try something new and explore a fresh segment of their lives.

And that attitude reminds me of my puppy: always sniffing about, exploring, and ready to try something new that just might be fun! Perhaps that's an attitude we all should approach more often, be we puppies, young adults or seniors.
 

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What We All Can Learn from the Poem: Cranky Old Man

When you work with older adults as an Indianapolis senior move manager, you learn that aging is a unique process that each and every one of us will go through. A good senior move manager is compassionate, understanding  and always willing and able to see the big picture, while clearly comprehending the emotions that a significant lifestyle move can stir to the surface. For some people, it's far too easy to dismiss older adults. Works of word art like the one I've posted below help me to remember that, no matter what, we are all human beings.

Cranky Old Man.....

What do you see nurses? . . .. . .What do you see?
What are you thinking .. . when you're looking at me?

A cranky old man, . . . . . .not very wise,
Uncertain of habit .. . . . . . . .. with faraway eyes?

Who dribbles his food .. . ... . . and makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice . .'I do wish you'd try!'

Who seems not to notice . . .the things that you do.
And forever is losing . . . . . .. . . A sock or shoe?

Who, resisting or not . . . ... lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding . . . .The long day to fill?

Is that what you're thinking?. .Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse. You're not looking at me.

I'll tell you who I am . . . . .. As I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding, .. . . . as I eat at your will.

I'm a small child of Ten . .with a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters .. . . .. . who love one another.

A young boy of Sixteen . . . .. with wings on his feet
Dreaming that soon now . . .. . . a lover he'll meet.

A groom soon at Twenty . . . ..my heart gives a leap.
Remembering, the vows .. .. .that I promised to keep.

At Twenty-Five, now . . . . .I have young of my own.
Who need me to guide . . . And a secure happy home.

A man of Thirty . .. . . . . My young now grown fast,
Bound to each other . . .. With ties that should last.

At Forty, my young sons .. .have grown and are gone,
But my woman is beside me . . to see I don't mourn.

At Fifty, once more, .. ...Babies play 'round my knee,
Again, we know children . . . . My loved one and me.

Dark days are upon me . . . . My wife is now dead.
I look at the future ... . . . . I shudder with dread.

For my young are all rearing .. . . young of their own.
And I think of the years . . . And the love that I've known.

I'm now an old man . . . . . . .. and nature is cruel.
It's jest to make old age . . . . . . . look like a fool.

The body, it crumbles .. .. . grace and vigour, depart.
There is now a stone . . . where I once had a heart.

But inside this old carcass . A young man still dwells,
And now and again . . . . . my battered heart swells.

I remember the joys . . . . .. . I remember the pain.
And I'm loving and living . . . . . . . life over again.

I think of the years, all too few . . .. gone too fast.
And accept the stark fact . . . that nothing can last.

So open your eyes, people .. . . . .. . . open and see.
Not a cranky old man .
Look closer . . . . see ME!!

A Client Reviews Rita Woll's Indianapolis, Indiana Senior Move Services

Sharon is a recent client of mine who was kind enough to write a review (on a well-known service provider website) of the senior move services that I provided her 81 year-old mother. As a professional, it certainly makes me feel great to know that a satisfied customer took the time to offer her these kind thoughts. Here's what she had to say:

"Rita was the project manager for an 81 year-olds' move from a condo to an assisted living senior facility one hour away.

She provided packing, moving estimates, coordinated the timeline for the move (including the steps in packing) and the design for the new space, along with unpacking services.

I found her to be a great household project manager for moving seniors and for the many daughters and sons responsible for these moves! She provided experience and resources that made this move much easier. Rita has a senior move certificate and is able to understand not only the boxes, but also the history and meaning in those boxes. And she understands the psychology and stages of aging.

She got started when she moved her mom and it makes it easier in the trenches for those us working with our own families. Rita is a resouceful ombudsman for dealing with the complex family issues that come up with these moves. I recommend her and Yellow Tag Household Sales in Indianapolis highly, especially for folks that need a professional household move manager or that need on-the-ground assistance when they live far away from the packing."

Thank you Sharon!

If I may be of assistance with your move or that of a senior loved one, please call me at 317-514-9793 or info@yellowtaghouseholdsales.com

Video of Rita Woll, Indianapolis Senior Move Manager: Moving Parents

Here's the last video in our series as local real estate agent Lisa Parrett and I discuss what is necessary to help seniors downsize and move into a new home.

What Does a Senior Move Manager Do?

To the far right of this post, you'll see a box that says "Why Choose a Senior Move Manager"? It's a relative question, especially for a service that many people may be unfamiliar with.

When you click on the box, it'll take you to the website of the trade organization, the National Association of Senior Move Managers. It's a group to which I belong, and you can click on the box to get an answer to the question "Why Choose a Senior Move Manager". Or, click right Here.

So, what exactly does a Senior Move Manager in Indianapolis, Indiana or elsewhere do? The answers are on the page, but let me give you a quick summation here:

We don't just move boxes; we move people. Because it's so much more than a move.

Should you be considering a move, or if a loved one is considering such a life transition, I hope you'll contact me. I'll be happy to answer your questions and explain more about what a Senior Move Manager does.

Reach me at 317-514-9793 or by email at info@yellowtaghouseholdsales.com

Sincerely,

Rita Woll

Downsizing for Seniors in Indianapolis

As a senior move manager in Indianapolis, Indiana, part of my job is to work with local real estate agents as a boomer or senior citizen sells their previous home and moves into a new residence. Close cooperation with the real estate agents allow me to ensure that the senior is well-represented and the coordination of the move is flawless.

Here, local real estate agent Lisa Parrett (an agent who specializes in working with senior clients) and I continue our discussion on the initial stages of senior and boomer downsizing.

Seniors & Baby-Boomers in Indianapolis: What Downsizing is All About

Here's part one of a video series that I participated in with Lisa Parrett, a local real estate agent. We discuss what downsizing is and what it means when a boomer or older adult is ready to move into a smaller home.