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The Longevity Economy (a study by the Aarp). It is also logical that retirees
in search of new opportunities for lifelong learning would look to join
communities of older explorers that are closely linked to universities
(Bankrate). The question, again, is what is the unique added value that BHI
can bring to the design and implementation of these projects?
The answer is easy. Vitality is the essence of BHI and also the transformative
force in retirement. BHI is also about deeply connecting humans to one another
and also to Nature. We are only just now exploring how to cleanse and rebalance
the qi and to recharge ourselves by reestablishing these profound energetic
connections with Nature (Alliancesfordiscovery-F). Moreover, the Explorers
Wheel process is itself likely neuroenhancing and neuroregenerative, especially
when combined with practices that reconnect us to Nature. An axiom of
neuroscience is neurons that “fire together, wire together.” The process of
exploring in this way is therefore likely to help retired persons, especially those
who are active in these communities, stave off the natural deterioration of
neurological capacities.
However, there is an important additional element. Retired persons have a
wealth of knowledge, expertise, and life experience that many are happy to
share when the opportunity presents itself with others in the society. This
corpus of insights and practical experience is a treasure waiting for retirement
communities to harvest. Empowerment also has a magical dimension: the
more you give away, the more powerful you become. We call this “Creating
Your Own Luck”. This “Move” (#9) lends a playful and entertaining dimen-
sion to what is actually a very deep and interesting process
(Alliancesfordiscovery-G).
A natural next frontier is smart technologies and buildings. Might it be
possible to endow “smart” buildings with a Heart?

SMART TECHNOLOGIES WITH A HEART

BHI offers the possibility for a continuously refreshed experience that can be
expressed, differentiated, and evolved throughout the life span of a building or
community initiative.

l Integrating a Smart Explorers Wheel with Computer-Aided Design (CAD):
It is relatively easy to integrate an Explorers Wheel with existing CAD
systems and advanced search capability. This will create a powerful means
to iterate rapidly from initial inspiration, search, rendition, feedback,
assessment, and implementation.
l BHI Platform: The BHI Platform including a suite of apps will become
increasingly intelligent, interactive, and personalized. This will enable any
project, especially those designed for retirees, to transform into a forum for
continuous lifelong learning.