Our Vision
Aging well is personal. Each of us expects to live where we want and how we want as we go through life. Our homes are not always setup for aging well. In addition, our communities may be stifled by issues with access to healthcare, crime and violence, food insecurity, inclusion, age discrimination and more. The Center for Healthy Aging and Wellness wants to transform southwest Indiana by creating a Learning Lab for Living Well housed in the Minka house at USI. Read more.
The Minka Learning Lab for Living Well is a 640-square-foot smart home showcase for living-in-place with integrated technology.
Students, faculty, community members and healthcare professionals can participate in simulations, workshops, research, smart home tours and interdisciplinary class projects. Our purpose is for southwest Indiana to explore and to experiment with adaptable living and learning ideas and innovations in aging and wellness.
The Minka is proud to host a multitude of interdisciplinary events, simulations, and projects. To learn more about the various initiatives the Minka has participated in, please click here.
Spring 2025 Hours
Hours are CST; the Minka is closed on the weekend.
Monday: 12-2:30pm
Tuesday: N/A
Wednesday: 9am-1:30pm
Thursday: 9-11am
Friday: 8:30-10am
Proceed through the roundabout/fountain at the entrance of our campus on the main boulevard and take the second left to park in either Lot B or C. Then walk across the main boulevard to the sidewalk between the Fuquay Welcome Center (FWC) and Orr Center (OC). Follow this sidewalk past the Forum Wing (FA). The Minka Learning Lab for Living Well is located between the Forum and Education Center (ED).
If you have difficulty walking: Instead of going down the main boulevard, turn right at the roundabout, following Clarke Lane to Bent Twig Lane. Take the first left and park in Lot H. There are accessible parking spaces near the Education Center (ED). It is a short walk to the Minka using the sidewalk next to the two metal boxes marked “Packets” and “Keys.”
Note: The sidewalk is wide enough that under certain circumstances, cars can drive on it directly to the Minka. We don’t recommend that all visitors drive directly to the house – only those who are physically unable to walk the short distance. Proceed with caution as there will be several pedestrians on this path.
Leah Flake
Dr. Katie Ehlman
Live Where and How You Wish
AI and Aging
Graduate Assistant Nick Faddis and the Minka Learning Lab for Living Well are using technology to impact healthcare for older adults.