Written by Olivia Rodenberg, University of Southern Indiana Student
Before I visited the MINKA Learning Lab, I did not understand its significance, not only to the aging population but to people who are interested in the health field and who frequently work with older adults. Before I toured the MINKA house, I was able to look around a little on my own. I noticed the house seemed rather small from the outside; however, once I got inside the house, it was open and did not feel so small. Participating in a tour of the MINKA house allowed me to see how ideal living in such a home is for someone who lives on their own but still needs assistance. The house has a variety of technology to help with almost every task for daily living. It was nice to see how the house was made for someone who might struggle with certain chores and how living in the MINKA could help them do more things on their own while remaining independent and staying safe.
My visit to the MINKA house had a significant impact on my curriculum as a student. I am an undecided major, and, before my visit, I had no idea what I wanted to do in my future. I have since taken an interest in my gerontology course, and, after seeing how the MINKA was built specifically to help the aging population, I started on my pathway for my future. I am still undecided, but I am now considering a profession in Health Services. I recently started a job as a nursing assistant, and one of the main reasons was because of the MINKA tour. I think being able to see how younger generations are starting to care and prepare for older generations, is very inspiring, and I would like to be a part of the experience. I would recommend taking a tour of the MINKA to everyone. It was not only a learning experience for me, but it helped me start a path to my future.
