“If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.” ~ Henry Ford

Such a powerful quote when we try to to bring about “innovative approach” to how we care for elders in our society.

Do we want to keep building “better institutions” or to create an “ibasho” where elders are valued as a asset of their communities? In ibasho projects, elders are not considered as someone who are “cared for” by younger people, but “care for others” to strengthen their community.

Elders in the “Ibasho house” in Japan celebrated the 1st anniversary event o July 13th 2014. During the first year of operation, they have organized more than 50 events for community members of all ages, and welcomed more than 5,000 visitor at the Ibasho cafe. The event was a great success and approximately 300 people joined and celebrated with the elders.

We have learned that “when we trust elders with what they are capable of doing for their community, they can surprise us in a very pleasant way”.

What we need to create may not be “better elder care facilities” but the place where elders can be useful to others in their community. To do so, we all need to challenge our mindset about caring for elders…

Please view the slideshow of the 1st anniversary event organized by the elders in Massaki, Ofunato.