Ibasho Singapore booklet

In June 2021, four Nanyang Girls High students: Kirstin, Yue Xin, Bing Xuan and Charmaine responded to an internship opportunity with ibasho. Their mission is to find out more about programme for older adults in ageing countries. They were attracted by the ethos of ibasho Japn: Seniors empowerment and eight key principles. In a short period of 3 weeks, they researched diligently on the topic and compared with the multicultural and multigenerational environment between different countries and Singapore. Dr Kelvin Tan, faculty member of Gerontology Programme in Singapore University of Social Science was their mentor. A close to heart conversation with Dr Emi Kiyota was the prized opportunity for the […]

The Role of Design in Promoting Social Connections

Dr. Kiyota, a founder of Ibasho, joined The Green House Project’s webinar “The Role of Design in Promoting Social Connections” on January 26, 2021. The Role of Design in Promoting Social Connections Emi Kiyota, PhD, founder of Ibasho, a model of eldercare that creates socially integrated and sustainable societies that value elders. She explains how Ibasho strengthens the social ties of elders in the communities and harnesses their skills and experience to create a positive impact in the community.

AARP’s online dialogue “Facilitate Intergenerational Engagement”

Dr. Kiyota, a founder of Ibasho, joined AARP’s online dialogue “Equity By Design Virtual Dialogue 5: Facilitate Intergenerational Engagement” on January 14, 2021. Equity by Design How do we make our built environment, at every scale, a tool for disease prevention and the promotion of wellness for all? As we begin to build and renovate our homes and communities in a post-COVID-19 world, we must radically accelerate the application of an age-friendly framework that addresses disparities. This means housing and communities that are safe, affordable, and facilitate multigenerational interaction; meet sensory, emotional, physical, social, behavioral, and health needs across the lifespan; and include appropriate transportation options—enabling every resident to thrive. […]

Ibasho’s booklet is available for free: Our response to COVID-19

In this social distancing period due to the COVID-19 virus, elders are considered to be a vulnerable population who need to be cared for and protected. To get through this challenging time, we should all take a cautious approach together.Once the worst of this pandemic crisis passes, we have an important task to heal our society by mending the social fabric, so that we are able to engage with others without fear. Ibasho envisions that the wisdom and experiences that elders can bring will be a critical element of this process. We are making our “Ibasho’s 8 Principles” book available for free as our contribution in this challenging time. It […]

The Role of Elders in a Societal Recovery from COVID-19

The Eden Alternative Facebook Live Monday, April 20th, 2020 featuring Emi Kiyota, found of Ibasho Dr. Al Power, Geriatrician, Author, Educator, Musician Ann Wyatt, MSW, Long term care program development We will explore the critical lessons learned during natural disasters and how they can be applied as our world recovers from the pandemic Sponsored by: SWBR In times of crisis, Elders are often cast into victim roles. Emi Kiyota, founder of Ibasho, turns that narrative around. After the 2011 earthquake and typhoon, the first Ibasho Café was created, founded in the power of Elders to drive community support services and recovery. That project continues to this day along with additional […]

Ibasho and Atlantic Fellowship collaboration

Ibasho collaborated with two artists from the Atlantic Fellow at the GBHI (Global Brain Health Institute) in UCSF to introduce art through body movement, painting activities, and photographies.The movement educator, Rowena Richie has co-develop with the local elders the “Ibasho’s 8 principle dance,” so that we can remember the core principles through the dance move. The Photographer, Alex Kohnhuber, documented the strength of elders in the three countries (Japan, Nepal, and Philippines). This multi-disciplinary and multi-generational collaboration gave all of us such a meaningful experience that lasts for the life time.

Atlantic Fellow at Global Brain Health Institute

Ibasho’s founder, Dr. Emi Kiyota is selected as an Atlantic Fellow at the Global Brain Health Institute in the UC San Francisco Medical School. She is conducting research on dementia inclusive city planning and disaster risk management for people with dementia during her 12 months residency fellowship, while working on Ibasho projects.

Co‐creating Environments: Empowering Elders and Strengthening Communities through Design

New article about the Ibasho concept is published in special edition of the Hastings Center’s Journal (a leading bioethics journal publishes work relevant to health policy and justice) “What Makes a Good Life in Late Life? Citizenship and Justice in Aging Societies.” The title of Ibasho’s chapter is “Co‐creating Environments: Empowering Elders and Strengthening Communities through Design,” contributed by Dr. Kiyota, founder of the Ibasho (click here to read the full article). It is our hope that this article will generate discussions to re-think about the perception of aging and the social role of elders in our society.

Dianna Davis Spencer Fellow of 2018

I was awarded as a Dianna Davis Spencer Fellow of 2018 (from the Global Good Fund), and will be working on job creation for people over 50 years old in the Northeastern region in the USA through this fellowship program. I am so grateful to have this opportunity to grow our effort to have positive impacts on the elders. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitudes to all the elders in the world. I truly believe that elders have been giving me these wonderful opportunities to learn and grow to pursue my passion and serve others. With my modest upbringing as a woman in a […]