National Center for Creative Aging
What is your first thought when someone mentions a Senior/Elder Center or Nursing Home?
Did you envision the elderly sitting around, doing little, just passing time until…? Did you see them as audience members at a performance, or just sitting around large round tables eating? Were they napping, or just gazing off into the distance, seemingly not connected to their surroundings?
Hopefully those days will be behind us as a new awareness is sinking in. Actively engaging the growing elder community is key to the growing number of organizations that work with this population. Inter-generational programming (from the 50′s and up, as the baby boomers join the elder sector) is being spoken of across the United States in all areas of the arts.
I was invited to be a Guest Speaker for OPERA America‘s Creative Resurgence conference, speaking to those opera companies (from Canada and the US) whose education departments reach out now to the centers, nursing homes, group homes and special organizations that cater to the older adult. A number of them make partnerships with libraries as well, helping build connections in their communities.
I was asked to attend this conference due to my recently completed pilot project with a senior center in NYC. We had worked on creating a musical experience crafted from the personal stories of our participants. I will talk more about this in the next part of this series.
Ms. Susan Perlstein, an advocate for the creative aging movement, led the day with the credo “Embrace This Moment!” Ms. Perlstein is the Founder Emeritus for the National Center for Creative Aging (NCCA). By the year 2030, it is anticipated that there will be over 70 million people over the age of 65, and that the number of those over 85 will double. There is also the chance that many will have to work, if possible, past what we normally determine as retirement age due to the economic realities we face.
There is evidence based research, as first conducted by The Research Center for Arts and Culture (RCAC) that has shown that interactive, participatory arts programs with the older person promotes a vitality in the aging process, helps to build vibrant communities, and has positive results in both the physical and emotional states of the participants. Dr. Gene D. Cohen, the primary investigator of the research, stated that “Art is like chocolate to the brain.”
Entering into fairly new territory in the arts is exciting in the different challenges it gives to professional teaching artists and arts organizations. The methodology we’ve used for youth programs has to be modified, and in many cases whole new approaches have to be discovered for successful programs for those participating. Understanding the various cognitive and physical changes that go on, and embracing the life history and stories that the elders bring with them are only the tip of what needs to be explored.
In Part 2, I will discuss more of my work in the field, and some observations from the conference attendees.
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ATTENTION:
I am available for consulting on Inter-Generational Program Development
as well as Project Management/Facilitation
I am willing to travel or work over Skype with your organization
Please contact me at:
stuart.nager at gmail dot com
Jun 15, 2012 @ 11:02:59
This is so exciting Stuart, and definitely an area that I am interested in exploring as well. I took a workshop with Sally Bailey, a drama therapist, where she adapted some of the tools of the trade to work for elderly patients particularly those with alzheimers. I am excited to learn more about the program you did, and about the possibilities for the future.
Jun 15, 2012 @ 16:37:58
I’ll post parts two and three next week. I’d like to know more about what your friend did. Thanks Lisa.
Jun 15, 2012 @ 20:48:24
I talk about it a little in this post http://lisawieldswords.wordpress.com/2011/04/10/open-the-door-to-imagination/
She wrote the book BARRIER FREE THEATRE which is an excellent resource.
Jun 15, 2012 @ 12:59:01
I love to hear that we will no longer be just depositing our elders (oh, wait- ME) in nursery schools for the elderly. Maybe there’s something I can enjoy there!
Jun 15, 2012 @ 16:38:28
Roy, that’s the hope. I think it’s a movement long in coming.
Jun 15, 2012 @ 13:25:53
Been thinking alot about aging lately and this is encouraging. I figure retirement and beyond will allow more time for creativity and maybe creativity will allow opportunity for more time…
Jun 15, 2012 @ 16:39:03
I feel that creativity keeps the spirit alive. Thanks Carolina
Jun 15, 2012 @ 13:34:28
Thanks for the post, Stuart! I think there are parts of American society that is beginning to think differently about aging, especially since the numbers are growing exponentially. You’ve given me an idea for an area I’d like to explore. Thanks again.
Jun 15, 2012 @ 16:39:41
You’re welcome Kathy. I hope you can share with me/us what you work on sometime in the future.
Jun 15, 2012 @ 14:07:57
Exciting projects to be a part of Stuart! Congrats! I’m looking forward to hearing how these new challlenges work for you.
Jun 15, 2012 @ 16:40:21
Thanks Bonnie. I hope to continue in the field.
Jun 15, 2012 @ 14:51:04
This program sound wonderful, Stuart. I think senior citizens will love to participate in art, crafts and performing arts.
Jun 15, 2012 @ 16:41:07
They do, Janette. It’s the difference from being talked at and actually doing. There is a mindset change on a lot of parts. Thanks.
Jun 15, 2012 @ 17:27:36
While growing up, an elderly neighbor told us young girls to do things each day to keep our minds young. Esther passed away at 81. Really, I don’t know what old looks like. My grandparents lived into their 80′s and 90′s. My husband’s grandmother lived until 102. They all kept active in their golden years. I’m not so certain that no one paid much attention to the elderly folk back then as they do now. I did hear that 80 may be the new 65….
Jun 15, 2012 @ 19:00:44
It is all about wellness and keeping alert. Glad you had a neighbor like that.
Jun 15, 2012 @ 20:15:53
Good to hear you’re sharing your experiences with creative aging stakeholders. There is so much going on in this field – including more opportunities for teaching artists to contribute. Keep in touch with us at Lifetime Arts. Congratulations, Stuart!
Jun 15, 2012 @ 23:05:42
Maura, I do hope I get the chance to work with LA. Thanks.
Jun 16, 2012 @ 10:57:39
Thanks for your post on our Facebook page. Right on with your work, your passion and the research on aging. Creative Aging Mid-South provides over 550 performances and arts workshops a year to older adults. Mostly in care facilities. It is heartwarming to see residents come alive with access to the arts!
Jun 18, 2012 @ 09:03:27
I think that what you are doing is great. I would love to see such activities for older people this side of the pond. It looks like it is going to take some time before it happens!
Jun 18, 2012 @ 09:27:15
Looking forward to hearing about what work you’re doing in the field on your next post!
Jun 19, 2012 @ 07:24:43
This is great news and I think it’s really exciting that you are part of this. It only makes sense, doesn’t it, given that population is indeed aging. I really think it’s great that the elderly are getting more attention and I believe it’s important that stereotypes about them are challenged.
Jun 19, 2012 @ 10:05:11
Fantastic news Stuart! When my mother was studying to be a teacher, she brought me to a nursing home as part of a school assignment where I interviewed on cassette tape (yes I’m old), the residents. To this day, that day stands out in my memory as a life-altering perspective change. A worthwhile thing you’re doing Stuart. So proud of you.
Jun 21, 2012 @ 05:28:45
Dear Stuart,
I’m a 50 year old drama practitioner doing PhD research on age and ageing in theatre in Britain. As part of my study I am starting a theatre group made up of performers over 50 (most of them are likely to be over 60 actually and relatively fit and healthy); I would love to hear if there’s any literature available on working with elders through theatre (or the arts generally), or if you have any advice to give me about techniques and approaches that would be particularly fruitful. Your work in the US sounds fascinating and I hope this sort of work continues and reaches other countries and communities. Thanks