Generation Reinvention 26: Changing Aging and the Future of Boomer Elderhood

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Here’s one description of what it means to be old in America…

“…old people are exposed to a bigoted ageism that is openly expressed and widely accepted. They are herded into complexes and facilities that are cut off from the rest of the community – and are expected to pay for the privilege. They can be confined to institutions, often for life, and must endure this loss of freedom with little or no hope of release. To be old in contemporary society is to inhabit a ghetto without borders. Rich or poor, man or woman, sage or fool, there is no refuge. The bias against old age infects the elderly as well; many older people actively profess the superiority of youth and the young.”

Is this the inevitable future of aging for the Baby Boomer Generation, or will this generation change the meaning, value and impact of aging, ushering in a new era of constructive elderhood? In this program we explore the future of aging with one of the world’s most respected authorities.

My guest is Dr. Bill Thomas, author of the description cited above, a visionary leader in the online Changing Aging movement and a renowned expert on geriatric medicine and eldercare. He is founder of two movements to reshape long-term care globally – The Eden Alternative and Green House Project. 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.

A graduate of Harvard Medical School, he did his graduate medical training at the Highland Hospital/University of Rochester Family Medicine Residency program. He is author an award-winning examination of aging, entitled What Are Old People For?. His forthcoming, much-anticipated book on Boomer aging is entitled The Second Crucible.

Recipient of numerous awards, including the Ashoka Fellowship, America’s Award, Heinz Award and Giraffe Award, Bill is also a professor at UMBC’s Erickson School of Aging, a musician, author of six books and an insatiable social media consumer and blogger.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT DR. BILL THOMAS WORK CLICK HERE:   http://www.changingaging.org

Here is a Youtube Video of Dr. Bill Thomas which you will find interesting:

CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW TO CHECK OUT DR. BILL THOMAS BOOK AT AMAZON

Generation Reinvention would like to acknowledge the sponsorship support of Genworth Financial.