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Senior Summit in OKC A Great Success

8/16/2012

 
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Presenters: Pat Darlington, Kay Stewart and John Harned
Oklahoma County has more than 110,000 citizens over the age of 60 and local organizations and country government recently stepped up to support and provide options to their large elder population.  This week, the United Way of Central Oklahoma, AARP Oklahoma, the Oklahoma State Homebuilders Association and the Oklahoma County Government sponsored a Senior Summit to provide information, knowledge and options to more than 100 seniors in attendance. 

By all accounts, it was a great success. The feedback provided by those seniors clearly indicated that living in a home of their own choosing was at the top of the list. 

Break out sessions with the seniors gave the organization leaders great feedback on what might be on their minds and what just might be needed to take care of this significant group of Oklahomans.  While concerns about the deterioration of local neighborhoods, home maintenance and public transportation were clearly indicated, the majority also stated that being in their own home was top of mind, especially if certain modifications could be made that would increase the level of comfort, security and safety. Wider doors, bathroom safety, energy efficiency and elevating dishwashers were options the seniors stated would be in their list of preferences.
 

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Christi Jernigan and Blair Schoeb
Hosted by Ray Vaughn, Chair of the Board of Oklahoma County Commissioners, several speakers offered a variety of housing and home environments, from assisted living to co-housing to updating a home for a lifetime.  Kudos go to Blair Schoeb, Senior Vice President at United Way of Central Oklahoma, Mike Means, the executive director of the OK State Home Builders Association, Sean Voskuhl, the State Director of AARP Oklahoma and Christi Jernigan, the Director of Oklahoma County Social Services for all the hard work they put forth to organize this event.  

Also in attendance during an afternoon session were business, professional and tradespeople including homebuilders, developers, Realtors, physical therapists and bankers, all who were interested in the business opportunity created by the 73 million baby boomers who are looking for options in their later lives. 


Outcomes from the summit will include a report to the participating organizations that will indicate the services and resources seniors may need in choosing the type of housing that is right for them.  

A special shout out go to hosts, Blair and Christi for inviting Michael Thomas, FASID to participate in the event and for making his return trip to Central Oklahoma such a great success.  ;-)     



Aging In Place: Alive On Arrival

11/21/2011

 
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Oklahoma State University
I had the opportunity to visit the campus of Oklahoma State University for several days last week and what I learned is that aging in place is alive and well ~ at least for the students, OSU faculty and local Stillwater OK residents.  In addition to meeting the educators associated with the Human Sciences Department, I had the chance to engage with the students in the interior design program and provide some insight on the practice of design.  There was also a one hour workshop on aging in place at the School of Architecture for nearly 50 people who braved the cold to come out and learn more about this cultural evolution.

What was great about last week was the diverse groups of people I had the chance to meet who are all talking about aging in place - but from different points of view.  The gerontologists spoke of this topic from social barriers. Another group was creating an older 55 development in far west Stillwater and yet another group was planning a seniors co-housing community that is ready to break ground this week for the construction of 24 homes. Representatives from the United Way of Central Oklahoma also chimed into the conversation during the week long trip and spoke about a symposium they will hold in the Spring of 2012.  Students were being educated on creating residential spaces with an aging client.  There was even a financial consultant on hand in one meeting to share how elders were facing challenges in light of the current economic environment and what solutions there are for this group. 

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So while the American economy may have delayed many from taking a planned retirement, and some being forced to consider their future live and work environments, aging in place was on the lips of many in Stillwater, a community an hour north of Oklahoma City.   

If there was a lesson to be learned from the experience to engage with such a diverse audience, it was this:  There is a need to create a larger conversation and venue among all the parties who see this evolution as something more than just a trend.  It is an opportunity to raise the standard of life and quality of care for millions.   

With 76 million baby boomers contemplating their retirement and with the previous generation living longer years, we have an obligation to create all sorts of spaces that will support and sustain a quality of life that allows one to choose independence over dependence.

Imagine the possibilities to bring together designers, architects, builders, financial planners, real estate professionals, occupational and physical therapists and gerontologists together. Just imagine the outcomes as these groups cross pollenate and as a result the development of programs to educate the elders and boomers about their options as they look to their later years.  And imagine the support that could be created by joining forces to help those with limited abilities to stay in a place of their choosing and at a cost they can afford,... saving the taxpayer in the long run from having to provide the resources to institutionalize so many.

As Ted Drab, ASID, OSU senior professor and educator stated during at the conclusion of last week's activities, "Your trip to OSU was to be a catalyst to get the departments of human sciences to start talking with one another and you helped us succeed."  But the amazing things was that the conversation grew rapidly to include so many outside the OSU design department and it clearly shows that Aging In Place is alive and well. 

Designing For A Life Of Independence.

7/6/2011

 
designs for independency
Just a few days ago we celebrated the 4th of July, a day set aside to celebrate our American independence.  And since independency was a major theme of my book, I thought I would share the first chapter of Residential Design For Aging In Place with readers as it speaks to how important independency is to all Americans but especially to those who are challenged by the design of their homes. 

If you would like to read the first Chapter entitled Designs For Independency, GO HERE. 

Manufacturers Are Seeing Revenue Sources By Designing For Boomers

6/25/2011

 
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Michael A. Thomas of The Design Collective Group in Scottsdale AZ created this universal designed kitchen for a client's mother who has MS. The key is not to make it look institutional yet provide the accessible features that make the occupant independent as long as possible.
The media is finally starting to rally around the needs of the aging baby boomer and so are the manufacturers of products.  And its about time with 76 million boomers now contemplating their elder years.  In a recent article in the Miami Herald and a follow up post on the blog Modern Health Talk showcased some of the ideas both manufacturers are doing and interior designers are using.  Perhaps things that make homes safe and secure isn't such a bad thing.   To Read the blog, click here. 
    Michael A. Thomas, FASID, interior designer in Phoenix, AZ
    Michael A. Thomas, FASID

    Welcome To This Boomer's Design Blog!

    Michael A. Thomas, FASID is an author, writer and interior designer who as a caregiver developed a passion for creating homes without barriers, maximizing the independence of his clients and having a little fun along the way.  
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    Feel free to contribute your thoughts in this blog.
    _________________________

    Co-Author: Residential Design For Aging In Place.  To learn more, CLICK HERE. 


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