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?

Learn More About What a Senior Move Manager in Indianapolis Does

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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