Beautiful is the place
Where we live together as neighbors
Lending a helping hand
Living our best life
For the Good of One
and the Good for All
Side by side we stand
Toil the land
Lift each other to stand
in their best light
Beauty in each of us
Beauty for each other
Kindness Caring Community
This is the land we call
Kallimos…….
Phyllis Ayman
Ageism damages the well-being of people of all ages. We are all participants in an ageist society which makes no secret of the belief that older people, while they be lovable when they are related to us, are actually a plague on society.” Dr. Bill Thomas
Older adults are essential to the functioning of our society, of any society. They are the repositories of history and the keepers of wisdom gained from long lives and a wealth of experiences. Wisdom to be passed down and shared with younger generations.
The prevailing view is that as people advance in age their physical and cognitive frailties and decline have increasing financial demands on our system, we cannot afford them. This is at the root of society’s ageism. As a result, these ageist attitudes, along with other factors, contribute to the inadequate care and quality of life they experience in a variety of the living environments created for them to live out their final days, and especially in our nations nursing homes.
It’s no secret that the choice of going to a nursing home is one no one wants to make, for themselves or a family member. What decisions can we make? Where can we live so that we are valued, have social connections with people of all ages, where we can get a helping hand when in need and offer our wisdom and the benefits of our experience to those coming behind us.
My vision has always been to inspire a national conversation on how we value and care for older adults. How can we create living environments where they receive the value and respect they deserve? Where they receive quality of care and continue to live a quality life?
Does such a place exist? Dr. Bill Thomas created Green House Homes and the Pioneer Network continues to advocate for creating a change in the culture in existing nursing homes. Most ironically, people often transition into nursing homes to escape the devastating loneliness and isolation they experience living in their community. Ironically, they are often met with loneliness and isolation while living amongst many. A valuable lesson learned from the pandemic.
But what about adults who are not ready or do not want to move to an assisted living or nursing home environment? What community choices are available to them? What is the right time for them to make that choice and where is that right place? Who will see the need and advocate for such a place? Will society acknowledge and recognize this need?
It’s no secret that 10.000 people/day are turning 65 between now and 2035 and the US Census Bureau estimates that the over 65 population will overtake the under 18 population by the year 2035. The serious concerning issues center around availability of affordable housing as well as availability of caregivers. But who is aware and who is concerned?
Where can one find the place where multi generations can live in communities alongside each other, care for and help each other as neighbors did in our past. A place where each person has a voice and is valued for their contribution.
I believe the place envisioned in 2 books by Dr. Bill Thomas, In the Arms of Elders and Tribes of Eden is that place. When I first read In the Arms of Elders, I had a vision that the powerful story could be vehicle to help raise awareness and inspire a conversation about Elder Wisdom and the value older adults represent to our society. The vehicle I envisioned was a film.
Kallimos is the name of the place described by Dr. Thomas in the parable In the Arms of Eden and recreated as a community in Tribes of Eden. A community where elders and young people live alongside each other to save the day and their community.
My vision for this film is that it will give voice to older adults, their value, wisdom, and the leadership they provide. As you know, our country gets a failing grade in the value, care and treatment we provide for adults as they age into their advanced years.
It’s been a 2-year journey. I did not know Dr. Bill Thomas at the time and had no experience or connection with the film industry, I now have a consistent dialogue with Dr. Thomas, a screenplay writer willing to write the screenplay and a potential Hollywood producer interested in the film once the screenplay is written.
The central tenet of the film will be on connection and community. However, the most important aspect will be the value that older adults represent in the community as a whole but in the lives of each and every person.
Attached is the link to the fund me page. I’m looking forward to raising the necessary funds so that the screenplay writing process can get underway. http://spot.fund/VjbyBy o
I appreciate your support, contribution if possible, and willingness to share the project. Email phyllis@phyllisaymanassociates.com for further information or to sign up for future correspondence and to receive The SeniorScape ™ in your inbox.
r each other Kindness Caring Community This is the land we call is the place Where we live together as neighbors Lending a helping hand Living out best life For the Good of One and the Good for All Side by side we stand Toil the land Lift each other to stand in their best light Beauty in each of us Beauty for each other Kindness Caring Community This is the land we call Kallimos
rning. This popped into my head. Thoughts?
Beautiful is the place
Where we live together as neighbors
Lending a helping hand
Living out best life
For the Good of One
and the Good for All
Side by side we stand
Toil the land
Lift each other to st