Marc Freedman, Founder and CEO of Encore.org, recently shared more excellent insights about how to make our older years something to look forward to:
“In this piece in today’s Wall Street Journal, I offer six concrete proposals–innovations that I believe have the potential to leverage the immense possibilities of a rapidly aging world and thus, transform it. I believe that such innovations–including new models for education, work, housing, even faith–comprise the necessary foundation required to meet the needs of all Americans, young and old alike. Ambitious as this may sound, it’s also essential.”
Marc mentioned that we need to rethink housing, including creating “housing strategies that help to forge and solidify bonds among the generations”:
“One compelling example is Bridge Meadows. This housing development in Portland, Ore., brings together families raising foster children with older people of modest means, who receive reduced rents in return for volunteer work with the adoptive families living in the community: everything from baby sitting and playing catch with children to working on arts-and-crafts projects and making meals. It’s an arrangement that makes both economic and common sense, filling the fundamental human need for community and connection.”
Please be sure to listen to this week’s Experience Talks Online podcast which will post on Friday evening. It features interviews with staff and residents of Bridge Meadows.
[Hat tip to EngAGE Founder and Executive Director Tim Carpenter for today’s link.]
