Ibasho employs a principle-based approach to replicating its concept in different cultural and geographical contexts, rather than a prescriptive method such as a franchising model. Ibasho’s eight principles are adapted by each community in its own unique manner. The principles guide elders as they take a leadership role in creating an interdependent support system, finding ways to give back to their community, and becoming change agents who help create a more inclusive and resilient community.
Ibasho’s Eight Principles are:
Contents
1. Older people are a valuable asset to the community (elder wisdom)
In modern society, the elderly are often considered to be a burden, as people needing to be looked after and taken care of. However, the elders’ wealth of wisdom is something to be valued and treasured. Ibasho believes in a society where the elderly can contribute to the society with confidence and are leaned on and valued.
2. Creating informal gathering places (normalcy)
Living in institutions: lives with strict rules and schedules are confining and limiting. Ibasho believes in places of normalcy where elders can pop in at any time at their leisure.
3. Community members drive development and implementation (community ownership)
Ibasho believes in each member of the community to share a sense of ownership and pride of its place. It is not something that is created for them but it is created with them.
4. All generations are involved in the community (multi-generational)
Connecting within one’s own generation is easy and comfortable but why stop there? Ibasho believes in a place where the young learn from the richly lived lives of the elderly and the elderly learn from the young’s ability to pick up new things quickly.
5. All residents participate in normal community life (de-marginalization)
A cross section of a community includes the young, elderly, disabled, family rearing, care taking and even the socially disconnected. Ibasho is a place where one does not have to worry about what he/she “cannot” do, but a place to share the things one “can” do.
6. Local culture and traditions are respected (culturally appropriate)
Each community has its own history and culture. Perhaps it is not something you can quite put your finger on. Ibasho is where one can discover and reflect on the treasures of the community.
Ibasho is a place where we strive for the environment, economy and the people to be in harmony. Ibasho will protect the nature that brings bounty to life, be economically self sufficient, and cherish the connections between each individuals. How special it will be if those connections forge beyond the boundary of the community or even beyond its own country.
8. Growth of the community is organic and embraces imperfection gracefully (embracing imperfection)
Ibasho does not strive for immediate perfection. It is adaptive and flexible in working with life, as life is forever changing. Each community has its own path to balance and perfection. Ibasho believes in the possibility of change. With time, with people, Ibasho will gently embrace imperfection.