During this year’s #RaiseSomeL, UofL’s annual day of giving, we are sharing with you how we work to innovate the aging experience. 

Technology is constantly changing.  Whether it is a television, phone, or computer; the technology within these devices is being improved continuously.  Would it not be nice if the cells in our body behaved in the same manner of constant improvement? However, this is not the case.  So why not use the two areas together to create a synergy between technology and aging?  Numerous products are being developed to help with the challenges experienced among aging adults. 

Microclinic Facilitators at first training in July 2018

The Microclinic Model Team is a unique approach to community health and wellness.

A ‘microclinic’ is not a small building, but a human infrastructure - a health management collective composed of people who share access to education, technology and social support as members work together to prevent and manage deadly disease.  Microclinics are formed organically from extended families, small businesses, church groups, and more. Rather than attempting to create a new social support system, microclinics galvanize existing social networks. Built on relationships and social capital rather than bricks and mortar, microclinics put the power of health directly into the hands of the community.

The age-friendly city movement is taking off in cities and communities around the world – including right here in Louisville.  

Flourishing refers to the experience of a life going well. It is a way to describe optimal life functioning, in spite of chronic disease and psychical bodily deterioration. It focuses on adaptation to age-related changes and reduction of abilities, but also the positive gains and strengths associated with old age. To flourish means to proactively and reactively respond and interact with what comes our way, by selecting goals that fit the issues we deal with, and then optimize our engagement in the selected goals, and in this process compensate and maintain a certain quality of life that is possible in the face of loss and decline.

Everyone ages. From the moment we are born, we begin to grow, mature, and change - the process of aging. When we are young, we call this “maturing” or “growing up,” but as we advance in years, this process gradually changes into “aging.”