Life and art are an interwoven canvas

This past Saturday, I spent my afternoon in Caledonia, Ont., speaking to, and admiring, the work of Sjanie (shaw-nee) Bethlehem.  An inspiring woman, the 70-year-old technical illustration artist has been showcasing her artwork for years and exhibited a number of art shows.  She has received awards in painting, scratchboard, pyrography and woodcarving, just a few of the many different styles she has adapted.     

Showcasing the art of the Bethlehem family, the By the Grand – Pa, Ma, Daughter exhibit at the Edinburgh Square Heritage and Cultural Centre was a huge thrill for Sjanie.  On this day, she shared the stage with her husband Bill, 73, and daughter Shawna, 24, in this special family affair for the first time. 

As I walked into the Edinburgh Centre's room, the small and somewhat rustic lodging felt cozy as it housed the works of all three artists.  Sjanie’s eagerness radiated, pointing out who did which art piece and why, how it related to a moment in time, or, in her case, how she would create whatever “was in her head” at that moment.  The glow in her eyes, the excitement in her voice, it made a person want to pull out a canvas and start painting right then and there. 

In January 2008, Sjanie’s family was faced with a tragedy when her 20-year-old granddaughter Shawna was in a car accident, sustaining a number of injuries, including a severe brain trauma. At the time she was only in her second year of the kinesiology program at McMaster University.  

A year later, Sjanie decided she would teach her granddaughter how to paint.  “All of her injuries have to do with motor skills,” she explained.  “We did the first painting, hand-over-hand, and she was quite willing. It was a little tough [at first], but gradually she picked up on it. She’s my granddaughter and it makes it fun.  I would do the same for [any of] my grandkids.”  This teaching strategy has been complicated by Shawna’s inability to speak.

Sjanie’s dedication to the recovery of her granddaughter is heartwarming and passionate.  Her determination to stay active throughout life artistically, while staying engaged with the progress her granddaughter has made with art and her physical ability is important to Sjanie.  She recognizes that it is a large part of what keeps her motivated.  Recently, Sjanie has taught herself how to play guitar, a skill she has not mastered but has given her with a new challenge that is fun to learn.  Art of any kind is an inspiring and motivational form of expression for seniors.  It keeps them engaged and can encourage them to strive to find and improve on an interest they may have not considered doing before. Healthy and happy, both getting and giving family support, Sjanie Bethlehem is prepared to face the challenges that come her way.   

Below: Sjanie Bethlehem and her granddaughter Shawna. 

Living a full life, despite Alzheimer's

Alzheimer’s – it’s an incurable disease.  It takes the mind of an individual and leaves them at a disadvantage physically and mentally.  It is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior.  According to the Alzheimer’s Foundation for Caregiving in Canada (AFCC), Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging, nor is it a disease of old age.  In fact, up to five per cent of people with the disease have early onset Alzheimer’s (also known as younger-onset), which often appears when someone is in their 40s or 50s.

The AFCC describes Alzheimer’s disease, on their website, to be “a progressive, degenerative disorder that attacks the brain’s nerve cells, or neurons, resulting in loss of memory, thinking and language skills, and behavioral changes.” Although there is no current cure for this disease, a number of treatments are available.  One of which, is the determination to stay active in order to prevent the onset of dementia symptoms and improve an individual’s quality of life.

An article posted by healthzone.ca focuses on the lives of Bill Heibein, Susan Parrish, and Mary McKinlay; each who were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.  Their life stories of how they decided to tackle the disease’s challenges are inspiring and uplifting, instilling hope that life can go beyond what doctors tell you.  Staying active was a large part of how these three individuals chose to delay the onset of this disease by farming, swimming, staying active within the community and educating themselves on the affects and symptoms of Alzheimer’s.  They chose to overcome the overwhelming consensus that they had a disease that was uncontrollable, so they did what they once saw as the impossible – they stayed active.

In the words of Mr. Heibein, “If there’s something you want to do, by George, you go out and do it!”

To read their stories, click this article. 

The Longevity Revolution

“There have been many revolutions over the last century,” said Jane Fonda, “but perhaps none as significant as the longevity revolution.”

Fonda, an Oscar-winning actor, a prominent activist and a best-selling fitness guru, addressed her audience about what she refers to as " life's third act" in the following episode of TEDxWomen, a division of TEDTalks.  Although the segment targets the aging woman, it is applicable to men as well. 

Fonda focuses on aging and overcoming the many "difficulties" that may be faced on a day-to-day basis; they must be challenged.  Staying active and engaged in this quickly developing world is important for the aging psyche and healthy living.     

Technology plays a large role in society, and it is hard to stay “connected” when constant innovations are released monthly.  SERC recognizes the stress it can cause on older adults and believes it is important that they stay engaged with these ever-changing products.  That's why SERC opened the Internet Cafe. It's where older adults can participate in an applied research project where they receive technology tutoring from volunteers.  Run by the Elder Technology Assistance Group (ETAG), their aim is to help participants embrace the digital world and improve everyday life.

ETAG’s mission is stated clearly on the front page of their website:

“From computers, email, and Facebook, to MP3 players, digital cameras, and iPad’s, ETAG's volunteer technology tutors help seniors learn how to use just about anything that plugs into the wall or runs on a battery.”

To inquire further about participating or becoming a volunteer, click here.