Resources

cognitive art activity for seniors

Individual and group sessions

(Also, see 'directory')

The Creative Center at University Settlement offers many creative learning programs, including: The Creative Center Hospital Artist-in-Residence Program, and, the Art Workshop Program.

The Creative Center Hospital Artist-in-Residence Program offers patients, at their bedsides and in small group settings, the opportunity to be absorbed in their own creative process, as an antidote to the pain, anxiety and boredom that is often associated with a hospitalization and a diagnosis of cancer and other serious illnesses. The Artists-In-Residence are carefully selected and trained to work within the hospital setting and receive support and on-going supervision by The Creative Center staff. Creating art projects tailored to each patient and health care setting, AIRs commit to a minimum of one year of work, working one day each week, as a responsible member of the hospital team. In addition to hospital bedside programs, The Creative Center's Senior Artist-in-Residence programs are operating in several locations in the New York Metropolitan area, bringing the experience of making art to elders, from older adults in the community to the frail elderly. Benefits for Patients Beyond providing much-needed relief and distraction from the anxiety, pain, and boredom that is often associated with a hospital stay, the Hospital Artist-In-Residence Program provides patients with a way to become absorbed in their own creative process. Patients and staff quickly discover that they are more than their disease as they begin to explore art-making, some for the first time in their lives. Benefits for Hospitals By providing one-on-one sessions with a caring and supportive artist, The Creative Center's programs augment the patient support services already in place in most hospitals. The artwork that is created provides lively discussion between patients and hospital staff on a more individual and personal basis. The nursing and support staff of the hospitals feel proud to be able to offer something very special, and in many cases, have provided exhibition space for patient artwork.

Art Workshop Program. Each day, The Creative Center holds creative arts workshops in literary, visual, and performing arts. All classes are open to people who are in treatment for, or survivors of cancer or other chronic illnesses, but registration (by phone) is required. Participants may register for two workshops per semester and get waitlisted for a third. Workshop classes are either in an all-day workshop format or as a series of 4 evening classes, occurring once a week for 4 weeks (with some workshops continuing for 2-4 months). All class venues are ADA compliant.

Creative Aging Toolkit for Public Libraries <<creativeagingtoolkit.org>>

• The Creative Aging Toolkit for Public Libraries is a free, online resource for librarians. It offers access to information about aging and libraries, creative aging research, and best practices in the field. The toolkit contains insights, tips, tools and templates to be used when planning, implementing and sustaining successful programs.

• Stimulate thought and creativity
• Provide learning opportunities
• Help people laugh and enjoy themselves
• Help elders stay connected to the outside world, as well as interact with people of all ages.

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Tennessee

Creative Aging Mid-South improves quality of life for Mid-South elders by providing them with access to experiences in the arts. Hiring local professional artists, we present high quality performances and workshops to older adults where they live and meet.vSince 2004, Creative Aging has brought enriching experiences in the arts to seniors where they live and meet. The only organization of its kind in our region, Creative Aging ensures even frail, disabled, or homebound maintain an enriching connection to the arts. Creative Aging has produced 4,300 performances and workshops at 56 facilities in the mid-South, improving the quality of life for more than 20,000 older adults.

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Virginia

http://www.giaging.org/issues/arts-and-culture/

Grantmakers In Aging does not make grants. It is a resource center for philanthropists.

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Washington State

http://nwcreativeaging.org/

The Northwest Center for Creative Aging (NWCCA) presents programs that inform, inspire and encourage adults to find new meaning in their lives as they age. We deliver programs in senior communities, libraries and other venues throughout the Seattle region. Courses include:

Feel the Beat! Simone LaDrumma and the Magic of Drumming ~ Performer: Simone LaDrumma ~ Simone LaDrumma shares her love for drumming with stories, a brief history of hand drumming and a drumming demonstration with help from the audience.

 Life Stories from Russians before and after the fall of Communism ~ Instructor: Marina Markova, Ph.D. Dr. Markova collected life stories of ordinary Russian people caught in extraordinary times: the fall of communism followed by economic chaos. She shares aspects of growing up and living in a communist society in Russia, showing how people’s unique experiences are an important part of Russian history.

Similarities and Differences in World Religions ~ Instructor: David E. Smith, Ph.D. ~ Dr. Smith compares  and discusses some of the central beliefs of Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism—the three largest religions—and interpretations of the similarities and differences.  What do these three religions teach about God and the spiritual life?  What should we make of the common ground and the diversity of perspective?

Music and Memory ~ Facilitator: Rebecca Crichton <> Flutist: Maxxine Smith ~ Participants hear a selection of familiar melodies spanning the decades played by virtuoso flutist Maxxine Smith. Rebecca Crichton facilitates a lively discussion combining history and personal memories.

Tasting the World ~ Instructor: Rebecca Crichton ~ Seattleites can dine on cuisines from all over the world. Join Rebecca Crichton as she talks about some of the ‘taste profiles’ of different world cuisines. What elements make something Greek as opposed to Korean or Moroccan, or Danish instead of Filipino? We’ll share our knowledge about ingredients and the techniques used in different cuisines. You’ll come away with some easy recipes and ideas for broadening your own food preparation

What’s Culture Got to do with it? ~ Instructor: Sarah Bergdahl, M.A. ~ Sometimes our interactions can leave us feeling confused, insulted, and sorry without knowing why. These feelings can be the red flag that tells us that a cultural force is at work.  Join us for an hour of insights and stories that may help to untangle unresolved feelings from the past and support you in looking at the world through a new lens.

Dancing in Your Chair–Seated Nia ~ Barbara Krauss, Certified Nia Instructor, leads a class of healing movement & relaxation. Seated Nia builds on the movement practice of Nia (neuro-muscular integrative action), combining gentle flowing movements, yoga-style healing movements, and dance.  The class will change your relationship to your body and the way it moves, increasing sensory awareness and body fitness. The movements are simple and easy, fun and uniquely fulfilling!

Intimacy in Your Later Years ~ Instructor: Mary Fry, Ph.D ~ Mary Fry, Ph.D. explores friendship and closeness, including friendships with both genders. How do we stay connected with others when life is changing, and why that is important? We all need to have people around who love and care for us, affirm who we are and value what we think and feel.

Live Long and Prosper – The ‘Blue Zones’ Hold the Secrets ~ Instructor: Jennifer Fry, MA in Gerontology ~ An informative and interactive session on the lessons learned from the Blue Zones – the 5 places researchers have identified where people live longer and better. Learn the lessons discovered from communities whose life choices have increased their years of life as well as the life in their years.

Personal Safety Nets – Get Smart! ~ Instructor: Judy Pigott ~ Emotional Intelligence requires your mind, heart and emotions working together. This session describes the link between emotions and good decision making. Learn how to get better at understanding the options for asking for the help you need and managing emotions when a crisis arises.

Please Help Me Remember ~ Performer: Sally Fox, Ph.D. ~ A story about coping, laughing, caring and enduring, this 50-minute performance about living with early onset dementia is spoken the words of the wife who is losing her memory, her husband and her daughter. It also honors learning to persevere and thrive in the face of challenging life circumstances.

Happiness is an Inside Job ~ Single 1 hour session or series of weekly or monthly sessions <> Instructor: Rebecca Crichton ~ Learn some of the tips and tools researchers in Positive Psychology and Neuroscience have shown can make us feel hopeful, happy and satisfied.

Shifting Relationships – Our Children, Ourselves ~ Jane Adams, Ph.D. has researched life stages, transitions and relationships between the generations.  She offers pithy, poignant and helpful perspectives on how to navigate our changing relationships with our children and other generations.

Understanding how to Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease ~ Instructors: Dr. Jeffery Brittin and Dr. Sachi Brittin ~ Father and daughter, Drs. Jeffery and Sachi Brittin, present a lecture discussing the healthy lifestyle outlined by physician Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn in his book Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease: The Revolutionary, Scientifically Proven, Nutrition-Based Cure.  In 2011, Dr. Jeffery Brittin needed a heart stent procedure. He became a fat free vegan, incorporating this lifestyle into his practice.

End-of-Life
Positive Endings – A presentation and discussion about positive end-of-life experiences ~ Presenter: Dori Gillam ~Dori Gillam performs “Save My Place,” based on the last 3 weeks of her mother’s life, which was filled with love, visions and peace. Following her story, participants share positive end-of-life experiences they have witnessed, gaining ideas for how to have delicate and pragmatic conversations with loved ones to plan what they want for themselves.

Speaking of Dying – Getting Comfortable and Practical About End-of-Life Issues ~ Instructor: Trudy James ~ Trudy James speaks and teaches about death and dying with a wise and compassionate heart. Using stories, statistics, and humor, she helps people become more comfortable talking about this natural part of life.

Themed Conversations on Creative Aging ~ Conversations on Creative Aging invite groups of older adults to engage in intentional dialogues led by trained NWCCA facilitators. They encourage ‘Meaning-Making’ through deep and honest discussions about relevant topics. Participants engage with others, are motivated to try new things, and are inspired by sharing life experiences.

Aging Creatively – Living life with intention and discovery ~ Staying intentional and awake are choices we can make at any age. Being older often gives us time to explore and discover what matters most to us. What do you want to discover?

Calming Down – What’s Stress got to do with it? ~ We’ll discuss how we deal with stress, including what discussing the value of ‘good’ stress. How do stress and resilience relate to each other? We’ll share the tips for managing stress and increasing resilience.

Clearing Space – The liberating effect of ‘Down-sizing’ ~ Most of us want to reduce the ‘stuff’ we don’t want or need anymore, from the tangible to the intangible.  What is mental house-keeping? We’ll share some of our best tips for unburdening ourselves.

Gratitude – More than Counting Blessings ~ All the world’s Spiritual Traditions emphasize gratitude as a central practice. How does Gratitude manifest in your life?

Life Purpose – We’re here for a Reason ~ Reflecting on what we are meant to do can help us clarify goals for our present lives. Knowing our essential values and knowing what “turns us on” can be a path to self-discovery.

Living our Legacy – How do you want to be remembered? ~ We will talk about what we want our friends and family to learn from us. More than just remembering us, our lives hold lessons and messages we can start sharing now.

Looking Forward – ‘Futuring’ realistically ~ Humans like planning the future and looking forward. We’ll share some of what we still want to create and experience in our lives and ways to make it happen.

“Make new friends and keep the old…” ~ We all know how important friendship is to our lives. What have you learned about making friends as you get older? What kind of a friend are you?

Overcoming Limitations – Changing how we see them ~ We can feel limited by a wide variety of things: stereotypes of aging, expectations for family/friends;  financial limitations; physical or emotional limitations. We’ll consider some creative ways to overcome or modify these limitations.

Staying Connected – Strategy for a Full Life ~ As we age, our relationships and responsibilities change. How do we stay connected with our children, our communities, and the environment?  What does it mean to stay connected with our minds, our bodies and our spiritual lives?  We all have wisdom we can share about this important topic.

The Problem of Independence – Moving toward Interdependence ~ Most Americans are steeped in the importance of being independent. Yet we know that from birth to death, we have different levels of independence. What kind of independence do you have or want? What would interdependence look like?

The Surprises of Aging – Who knew it would be like this? ~ As one writer says, “Life gets better – not easier – but better.” Most of us don’t know what it will be like to be older. Research indicates we might be pleasantly surprised.

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http://www.creativeaging.org/who-we-are

http://www.creativeaging.org/programs-people/cad

NCCA has launched the first of its kind Directory funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, MetLife Foundation, and The Michelson Foundation. The Directory features arts programs serving older people and includes intergenerational activities in urban, suburban, and rural communities in a variety of settings such as community centers, senior centers, assisted living, adult day care, arts institutions, and libraries. It is also searchable by an assortment of options such as: location, arts discipline, program setting, and adaptive design, with the goal of enabling older adults to find programs, encouraging arts and aging organizations to find partners, and helping teaching artists to find employment with organizations committed to creative aging in their communities.

The National Center for Creative Aging (NCCA) was founded in 2001 and is dedicated to fostering an understanding of the vital relationship between creative expression and healthy aging and to developing programs that build on this understanding. The process of aging is a profound experience marked by increasing physical and emotional change and a heightened search for meaning and purpose.  Creative expression is important for older people of all cultures and ethnic backgrounds, regardless of economic status, age, or level of physical, emotional, or cognitive functioning.  The arts can serve as a powerful way to engage elders in a creative and healing process of self-expression, enabling them to create works that honor their life experience.

Objectives

• To evaluate arts and aging programs to identify and promote best practices.
• To distill the lessons of model programs in order to create technical assistance materialsand training programs for others to use.
• To support the replication of best practice models through existing or new arts and aging programs and coalitions throughout the country
• To serve as a clearinghouse for the exchange of information and resources, such as national  conferences and national e newsletter.
• To create and maintain a database of such programs as a resource to others.
• To support research and policy toward developing the field.

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http://creativeagingtoolkit.org/

The Creative Aging Toolkit for Public Libraries is a free, online resource for librarians. It offers access to information about aging and libraries, creative aging research, and best practices in the field. The toolkit contains insights, tips, tools and templates to be used when planning, implementing and sustaining successful programs.

Using the Creative Aging Toolkit for Public Libraries

Congratulations! If you are reading this, you are likely preparing to offer creative aging programs in your library. An exciting and fulfilling experience lies ahead. We recommend that you explore the entire toolkit in order to be fully informed and equipped for the journey. Let’s get started.

LEARN -- First, review the Aging & Libraries section to access Aging Trends and topics including: Demographics; Longevity & Health; New Patterns of Work, Retirement & Learning; as well as consider common Impediments to Positive Aging.

Next, browse Implications for Libraries, Public Programs and 50+ Services, and discover the ways that Creative Aging Programs position the library as a center for learning and creativity for older adults.

The Creative Aging section defines the concept, provides background information on the Theory & Practice, details Programming Models in Libraries and for Other Organizations.

PLAN -- Next, review the steps involved in Planning a Program. In this section you will learn about (1) assessing your patrons’ needs and interests, and consider how your programming will benefit from (2) forging community partnerships. You will understand how teaching artists differ from regular artists and (3) find out how to select and hire one. Together, you and your teaching artist will (4) Develop a Curriculum and Budget, and finally, you will discover what (5) your options are related to funding.

IMPLEMENT -- In the Implementation Guidelines section you will explore issues and strategies related to funding and sustaining your program:

1. Coordinating Logistics
2. Recruiting Participants
3. Preparing Space and Materials
4. Monitoring, Documenting and Evaluating
5. Organizing a Culminating Event
6. Focus on Sustainability

ACCESS -- The Resources section offers direct access to several categories of selected materials, media and content included in the Toolkit, such as: Audio, Blogs & Columns, Case Studies, Centers & Institutes, Experts, Funding Sources, an Image Bank, Organizations, Related Toolkits, References, Reports, Tools & Samples, and Video.

SHARE -- Ideally, all who implement creative aging programs in libraries will share your experiences and insights with the Toolkit community.

We would like to share blog posts that you publish on your library blogs, and also to invite you to publish blog posts and case studies featuring your programs, patrons and teaching artists here in the Toolkit.

We are also interested in gauging your interest using Google Hangouts as a tool for further community discussion.

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Books

http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Aging-Discovering-Unexpected-Personality/dp/0891061118

Creative Aging: Discovering the Unexpected Joys of Later Life Through Personality Type Paperback

by Nancy Bost Miller

Why are some people full of vitality and passion for life, while others are bound by fear and regret? Applying Jung's model of personality type and the tools of the Myers Briggs Type Indicator® assessment, psychologist and counselor Nancy Millner examines the impact personality differences have on our responses to aging. Millner offers as illustration the personal stories of more than 50 people who have passed through midlife and are now aging creatively in their 60s and 70s. All have faced the limitations of their later years with optimism that has led to new energy and purpose in their work, their relationships and their spiritual growth.

Articles

Creative Aging: The Emergence of Artistic Talents

http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2013/01/creative-aging-the-emergence-of-artistic-talents/266799/

Richard Senelick Jan 4 2013, 8:07 AM ET

Depending which part of the brain is affected, different skills will be preserved or impaired in various types of cognitive decline and dementia. This gradual reformation is what may allow the emergence of new artistic abilities.

 [Lester Potts / Youtube]

As some people age and begin to lose cognitive abilities, they start to express previously hidden artistic talents. In my previous article, "Maintaining Connection and Saving Face," I described Lester Potts, who became an acclaimed water colorist as his dementia progressed and he lost his verbal abilities. Here, we'll look at what leads to this and similar phenomena.

Youtube url:

https://www.google.com/search?q=creative+aging&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&channel=sb#q=creative+aging&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&start=20