“The Importance of Being Wilde”: Experiencing the play (and benefits) of the arts in later life

Pamela Brett-MacLean, PhD
Krista Charbonneau, MA

“When I did a public reading many years ago of ‘A Child’s Christmas in Wales’ by Dylan Thomas, I felt a thrill, a quickening, a fluttering in my heart that was really quite magnificent. It took my breath away.”
These are among the first words that Julian shared with us, during our initial meeting with a group of residents living in a retirement home in Vancouver. Julian had a remarkable sideways lean to his gait, which only added to his theatrical presence, inspired – I imagined – by a lifelong love of theatre and performance. Seven core members made up the theatre group, aged from 75 to over 90 years of age. All were committed to enjoying the pleasures of reading plays. We were working on graduate degrees (interdisciplinary studies - PBM, and theatre studies - KC) and shared an interest in the positive contributions of the arts engagement in later life. Responding to the participants’ stated preference for engaging with theatre, we developed a structured, historical approach to learning about and reading comedies which we called “Laughing Across the Ages.” 

An Interview with Jack Coggins, Mouth Painter

(with Jeff Natchigall, interviewer)

WILL YOU CONTINUE PAINTING?

Well, the Irish are nothing if they’re not obsessive. Once we latch on to something we explore it passionately for as long as it takes until we know the medium... like poetry it’s very elusive… it’s got a rhythm and an excitement to it, that I find very passionate.

I’ve explored music. I’ve explored the physical aspect of my being with tai chi… concentrating on your surroundings and emptying your mind. I also practice Transcendental Meditation which allows me to explore deep relaxation… and now trying to heal my body… to the best of my ability, but also to heal my mind and adapt to new things that will express my creative talent. So my art has become my passion… as much as history, because in many ways, the images I paint are history; History of our totems; History of our Inukshuk; History of the Tori Gate. All these represent symbols that are universal in all of us. Through my art I’ve discovered images that help my healing process that are autobiographical… like the Inukshuks, the stone men against the prairie landscape in winter… that’s me, that I’m frozen in stone because I have so little use of my body. So I’m there observing the coming, the changing of the seasons. The coming of winter… the beginning of spring… blossoming into summer, and then into fall, autumn… we can see the world in a blade of grass.

I have so much energy. I expressed it through my teaching. I expressed it through my music. I expressed it through my cycling… not so much observing the landscape, but experiencing it… I cycled for 55 years until my accident… and then it all ended abruptly.

You’ve tapped a source of energy… I’ve been so frustrated in my own personal life that I was ready to explode with anger and thoughts of self destruction and just to end the misery… and art gave me another life again, and you were a big part of that.

The art has restored my self-esteem, teaching restores my self esteem. I still have a head.

Moving Towards Dance for Older Adults

by Mary Jane Warner, Department of Dance, York University

I began dance classes at a young age and assumed that I would always have the satisfaction of taking a dance class. As I aged the classes became increasingly difficult, especially after two hip replacements in my sixties. Typical of the older adult, my balance and flexibility declined, getting to and from the floor was increasingly difficult, and jumps had to be limited in both height and quantity. No longer able to keep up with much younger classmates, I began looking for dance classes for older but active adults, but there didn’t seem to be much available in my community.

Not able to find appropriate dance classes, I turned to fitness classes. Those geared to the 55 plus age group were not sufficiently challenging but regular low impact classes and a personal trainer were alternative options that enabled me to recover from hip surgery and to keep my body in reasonable condition. But something was always missing in these alternative fitness classes that made them less satisfying than my previous dance classes.

What were the missing ingredients? 

Creative Aging Calgary Society

by Gail Hinchliffe, President, and Dianne McDermid, Director of Education and Programming

The Creative Aging Calgary Society (CACS) was formed in 2009 to increase awareness of the positive physical impact that arts participation can have on older adults. To date, we have held two symposiums targeted at older adults, artists, and professionals who work with older adults. The first symposium introduced the concept of creative aging and provided snapshots of nineteen local arts and seniors initiatives. The second symposium included a workshop on how to develop creative aging programs, followed by concurrent workshops on art, drama, and music. Susan Perlstein, from the National Centre for Creative Aging in Washington DC was keynote speaker and a workshop leader at these events.

CACS is currently planning their third symposium to be held Thursday, April 26, 2012. Keynote speakers at this symposium will include Jeff Nachtigall, practicing artist and artist-in-residence at Sherbrooke Community Centre in Saskatoon Saskatchewan, and David Dworking, a clarinetist and orchestra maestro, who, upon retiring, developed an innovative exercise program called “Conductorcize.” The symposium will include workshops on art forms as well as a showcase of seniors’ creative expression activities. For more information about this event, visit the website http://www.creativeagingcalgary.ca/

Membership in CASC is free and includes access to resources and a regular newsletter.

The Arts and Health Project: Healthy Aging Through the Arts

by Jil Weaving and Margaret Naylor

The Arts and Health Project: Healthy Aging Through the Arts began under the name The Arts Health & Seniors Project in 2006 as a three year pilot. The Vancouver Park Board and Vancouver Coastal Health partnered with five other organizations in Vancouver and North Vancouver to provide professionally led arts programming to vulnerable seniors and to study how on-going involvement in community based creative arts practices could:

• improve the health and well-being of older adults facing economic, social and cultural obstacles that inhibit their optimal health and


• enhance the community perception of these seniors as active and valuable members of their community.

This initiative was inspired by Dr. Gene Cohen’s ground-breaking U.S. study The Creativity and Aging Study: the Impact of Professionally Conducted Cultural Programs on Older Adults.

To demonstrate a link between participation in the arts and wellness of vulnerable older people in British Columbia, data was collected over the three years of the Arts Health & Seniors Project and the research report based on this data will be released this fall. The report will explain a significant number of participants experienced improvement in their perceived (i.e. self-reported) health, a reduction in their experience of chronic pain, and an increased sense of community.

Due to the positive impact and popularity of this project it has continued beyond 2009, through the 2011/2012 season.

In 2010-2011 the project had six project sites in Vancouver and North Vancouver, each with an artist and a seniors worker; many also worked with an artist intern. A translator was also available at one site for Cantonese and Mandarin translations. Throughout each year of programming the professional artists, who are deeply engaged in the process of community arts practice, have worked collaboratively with seniors to develop creative processes that reflect the knowledge and life experiences of senior participants. Every year the artists and seniors have produced and exhibited and/or performed works that both reflect the commitment of the collective groups and provide insights into the rich life experiences of the seniors.

The Project structure has consistently included weekly workshops for seniors with professional artists and seniors workers, two annual Arts Experiences, consisting of visits to exhibitions/performances that can expand the seniors’ understanding and appreciation of their work as it relates to the broader field of art, a Community Exhibition/Performance and a curated Year-End Exhibition/Performance of all participating seniors’ work in June.

The project structure also has included peer learning and professional development opportunities for artists and seniors’ workers through Community of Practice meetings and workshops. In 2010-2011 the “CoP” structure has evolved from 6 meetings for artists and seniors workers to 3 “CoP” meetings, 2 capacity building workshops and 3 artist exchange visits to other project seniors group workshops. This change has come about as a result of the artists and seniors’ workers desire to increase the level of exchange and sharing of knowledge within the project.

The intended long-term outcome of this project is “strong, healthy communities that engage seniors as full and active participants and that value the arts as a key contributor to health.”

RAW VISION: The Power of Art in Healthcare

by Jeff Nachtigall

In November 2006, I began a residency with the Saskatoon Health Region. As Artist-in-Residence, I worked with individuals coping with limited mobility and/or cognitive disorders at the Sherbrooke Community Centre; a long-term care facility in Saskatoon Saskatchewan. I implemented a studio program that provided participants with the opportunity to express themselves visually. The studio was to be a place of experimentation and self-expression. I was not interested in teaching art classes, but in facilitating the creative process through self-exploration and self-discovery.

The studio started small. Within a month, more than a hundred residents were working in a variety of mediums and styles, filling the small space to the point of overflow. Most had never made art before. Reduced and restricted mobility (paraplegia and quadriplegia) and cognitive disorders (Alzheimer’s, dementia, and acquired brain injuries) presented them with new challenges and limitations. With perseverance and dedication (and in some cases, working through physical pain), these limitations grew into strengths. Through art, the participants of the studio program have found a new voice…and this new voice has empowered them.

In September 2007 the Mendel Art Gallery shared this life changing experience with an enthusiastic audience. “The Insiders” exhibition showcased the work of twelve artists from the Sherbrooke Community Centre. The response was overwhelming. The National Film Board of Canada featured the studio and the artists in an inspirational and moving documentary; “A Year at Sherbrooke”. The Mendel Art Gallery toured the exhibition throughout Saskatchewan, engaging rural communities in an ongoing and passionate dialog. With the support of the Saskatchewan Arts Board, Potash Corp., the Mendel Art Gallery and several community partners, “The Insiders” catalogue was published in the fall of 2009.

The studio is more popular than ever and continues to be a vibrant hub of activity and exchange. The breakthroughs have been substantial and the benefits profound. Residents who once contemplated suicide are now mentors and role models. Individuals who were previously inactive have found a new energy, enthusiastically expressing themselves through art. The level of productivity has grown exponentially, as the residents dexterity and confidence have increased. Fine motor skills have improved; those who once shook as they tried to grip a brush are now expressing themselves through fluid motions. The positive impact on the residents and their families is astounding. New projects and exhibitions are underway as we continue to push the boundaries of self expression and challenge the stereotypes of individuals with special needs.

In 2007 I designed the Mobile Painting Device (MPD). The MPD provides quadriplegics and paraplegics the ability to express themselves on a very large scale. This fluid form of mark making has helped inspire and invigorate a growing and often overlooked segment of the population.

The “Open Studio Model” I have developed for healthcare is based on a philosophy: I believe that we are all born artists, and that art is our first language. This visual language transcends borders and has the ability to bring people with diverse backgrounds together. This model focuses on the “art” and not the “therapy”, and raises the bar of the ubiquitous “craft room”. Art is a vehicle for change, for healing and for hope. Although initially developed for long term care, this model has since been adapted for acute care, mental health and addictions, at risk youth, transitional environments, primary and secondary schools, universities and colleges, and the private and public sector.

United Active Living Inc.

by Gail Hinchliffe and Dianne McDermid

United Active Living (UAL) is an Alberta based corporation that develops innovative housing for older adults. Currently UAL has two sites: River Ridge Seniors Community in St. Albert, and Garrison Green Seniors Community in Calgary. The housing sites are designed, constructed and operated based on research findings that focuses on providing opportunities for fulfillment, independence and wellness. Both sites are assisted living residences in which the majority of programming emphasizes creative expression and lifelong learning. At Garrison Green, for example, there are two full-time artists-in-residence as well as well as a part time artist. There are two dedicated art studios where there are art classes offered, open studio time and supported art projects. Residents’ art is displayed throughout the lower floor.

Besides these art programs, there is a drama club, choir, kitchen band, ballroom dance lessons, yoga and drum circles. Continuing learning is encouraged through such activities as a lecture series done by faculty from Mount Royal University, educational webinars, and a resident-led men’s education and discussion group. Outings to art galleries, museums, philharmonic performances and plays are common. This level of programming can only be provided through partnerships with family and the greater community.

For more information, go to: http://www.unitedactiveliving.com/

ElderGadget.com

Check out this website. My favorite feature? The review search function where you can search by whether the technology is easy to see, easy to hear, easy to use, and easy to understand. Definitely an interesting resource for an older adult - or anyone - needing these accommodations.

Living forever?

Aubrey de Gray postulates that one day we could live to 1,000 - and the first person to live to 150 has already been born. The idea of super-longevity brings up some interesting questions: If we could live that long, would we want to? What would aging to 150 actually look like? Do you think the goal should be to live longer, or to live better? Is it possible to do both?

Designing for older consumers

Check out this article from the archives of the Globe and Mail for an interesting article on how companies are starting to understand the importance of designing for the older consumer.

A Craigslist for older adults and their families

As more older adults and their caregivers get online, websites have been created to meet their needs. Elderpost is such a site - offering free classifieds for products and services that might be useful for these consumers.

As part of our industry-led research initiatives at SERC, website development for older adults - design and content - is a key component of the advice we offer our business partners. What do you think of Elderpost?

Healthy aging and technology use

Here's a great essay about a 102-year-old man and his aging iMac. It speaks to the power of technology to provide ways for elders to share their stories and connect to other people.

Challenging stereotypes: Older adults embracing social media

Check this out: The oldest member of the Seattle Social Media Club shares his insights on older adults adopting social media.

Arts Participation & Healthy Aging: Knowledge Exchange

On June 27th and 28th, 25 researchers, artists, and providers of services to older adults gathered from across Canada at SERC to discuss the state of research on the benefits of participation in the arts for older adults. After two days of very stimulating discussion, the participants from SERC - and hopefully all attendees - came away with renewed vigor for pursuing research into the health benefits of participation in the arts for older adults.

SERC would like to thank the Canadian Institutes of Health Research for their generous support for this meeting.

Belly Dancing Workshop

Thirteen women joined SERCCA for the introductory belly dancing workshop on Saturday, April 16th. Six of the participants made the trip from Riverside Glen, a Schlegel Villages location in Guelph, Ontario.

Workshop leader Danielle Lottridge has been dancing ever since she learned to walk; she enrolled in ballet at age 3, and studied jazz, tap and piano throughout her childhood and adolescence. Danielle continued taking different styles of dance until she found belly dance and fell deeply in love. Danielle has been performing professionally since 2005, in high quality venues such as the Enwave Harbourfront Theatre in Toronto and the Crucible in San Francisco. She has taught regular classes for over three years, including workshops at McMaster University. Danielle holds a doctorate in human factors, and brings expertise in ergonomics and applied psychology to create a safe and enjoyable environment in her classes.

Dancing Home to Me

My experience in the SERCCA dance project
by Jacqui Penson

It is the tiniest of ads, tucked away in the “Community Notices” section of the paper, but it springs at me like a banner headline: “Free Dance Classes for adults 55+.” Despite earnest worries about what is in store (what if the classes require spandex?) I summon the courage and call. A pleasant voice answers the phone. Within minutes I hear myself making arrangements to participate in what I learn is a dance research project with older adults through Sheridan College’s Elder Research Centre (SERC). And it’s pretty much come as you are – works for me!

The first day, I locate the studio and tentatively open the door. I am really quite anxious. Seeing the mirrors, the barre, the piano, I am transported back in time. As a child, I had fallen in love with ballet – the music and movement carried me away. Somehow when I danced, I felt safe, I felt special – I felt like ‘Me.’ Later, as a young woman, exhausted after a day’s work, I would don black leotard, red skirt, and leg warmers to stretch body and soul on a dance floor.

Brought back to the studio, I see individuals of every age and stage (55 plus, that is!), size and shape, clustered here and there chatting. I make a mental note – no spandex in sight – I like it already!

We learn that, because this is a research project, we must go through a series of simple pre-test measurements of things like flexibility, balance, muscle strength and complete some questionnaires and an interview. I am so pleased to be part of something bigger and at this point, if I can coax this aging body into a studio twice a week to dance AND contribute to science – well, even better!

The first day of class arrives and as we wait in the studio, there are nervous whispers, faint anxiety, quiet laughter and tense anticipation.

Our teacher reminds us that this time is an investment in our well-being, in caring for ourselves and honouring who we are and the road we (and our bodies!) have travelled. Above all, it is about having FUN! We need to lose that inner self-critical voice (someone quips maybe they could cover up the mirrors!) relax and enjoy the moment.

We take our places at the ‘barre’ and the class begins. The teacher demonstrates and explains the how and especially the ‘why’ of each exercise and most importantly, how to work around our various physical challenges. Clearly the name of the game here is not being ‘perfect’ but rather how to work with our bodies and still reap the benefit of this graceful form of movement. She watches carefully, keenly focused on ensuring that no one gets hurt, offering a modification here, a suggestion there and tons of gentle encouragement. I think to myself – this woman really ‘gets it’!

We work our way through pliés, relevés, tendus and grande battements and then move to the centre of the room for ‘floorwork’ (now without the security of the ‘barre’!). Once we’re oriented we move across the floor, this time to the soaring strains of a Viennese waltz. We are dancing and it is joyous, freeing and just plain fun!

There’s a sense of “we’re all in this together” – no room for ‘prima ballerinas’ here – we’ve travelled varied paths to arrive at this point in time – and the room is rich with the collective strengths, passions and humour of those who have survived to tell the tale!

At first, I feel clumsy and unsure and my brain is working overtime to remember everything – but it is okay. As the class progresses, my anxiety slowly ebbs and I feel the music lift and transport me. Something deep, long-buried and forgotten is stirring, but all too soon it is over and we clap in appreciation. I grab my keys and fly out the door.

The Thursday class is more of a jazz/modern dance. Compared to ballet, this presents a challenge to move outside my ‘comfort zone’, to become aware of and fully inhabit my body in a grounded way. After warm-up exercises, we learn a little ‘combo’ to Liza Minelli’s “Bye, Bye, Birdie.” I don’t remember ever having laughed so much in a dance class! As we ‘step-ball-change’ and ‘sugar’ our way across the floor I can feel inhibitions gradually falling away as our teacher exhorts us to “put it out there!”

The weeks fly by and I feel my body and brain respond. I feel stronger, balance is improving and joints that just a few short weeks ago felt like they required a shot of “WD-40,” begin to loosen up.

Even more significant though, is the feeling of well-being by the end of class. None of us can explain it. We know about ‘endorphins’ and the benefits of exercise but this is something more than that, something almost mystical. For 60 minutes twice a week the world fades away. Whatever cares have silently accompanied us into the studio seem to dissipate as the music, the movement – and yes, the laughter – capture us and carry us away.

I realize that for me, being in these dance classes has become an exercise in déjà vu – a reconnecting with and reclaiming of an essential part of who I was – who I am – lost through time and circumstance. I am dancing home to ‘Me.’

And I am – still – in love with dance.

The Centre for Active Aging Art Group

Who are we?
We are seniors (60 to 92 years of age) who deeply value the experience of sharing and supporting creative pursuits. The majority of the members work at the intermediate or advanced level in at least one medium. In addition to participating in our classes, many members take workshops and courses offered by other institutions and engage in individual or small group study using books/videos from libraries or private collections, watching televised art instruction shows, and using Internet lessons and videos to further develop their skills and knowledge.

All art group members are also members of the Centre for Active Aging ($27.27 for Mississauga residents and $32.92 for qualifying non-residents). In addition, we charge an annual $5 club membership fee, and $35 to $55 for each session depending on its length. The centre’s activity fee ($1.00 per person) is included in our course fee or collected individually for the Saturday studio work. In addition, we buy our own supplies and occasionally make use of a various supplies we have collected over the years. Sessions are 4 to 6 weeks with instruction, demonstration, exercises, and individual guidance.

In 1974, the Centre for Active Aging (then known as the Mississauga Senior Citizen’s Centre) located in Ontario, Canada, opened and 14 enthusiastic artists began sharing their interests and talents under the direction of Shirley Erskine. In 1989, a second section was added and the group took over responsibility for hiring and paying the instructors. Talented local artists teach both traditional and innovative techniques in various styles including abstraction, using pencil, ink, pastel, water colour and acrylic.

Working from our own resource material, we paint all subject matter from still life to the human figure. We are regularly surprised by, and admiring of, the finished works that reflect each member’s unique style and personality.

We maintain an active waitlist whose members join us whenever regular members are absent. We are fortunate to have some members from the original group still active and willing to share their extensive knowledge and experience.

What are the benefits?
The mix of creativity, learning and friendship enriches our lives, keeping us engaged and active. Many of us regularly stay after class for a light lunch in the centre’s cafeteria. There we share life’s joys and frustrations, tell stories from our past, discuss issues of interest, and pass around photos of our trips, pets and family. We often go on outings to art shows, movies, local events, and participate in many of the centre’s other activities such as the spring picnic, the Christmas lunch, and Valentine’s lunch.

Is our work on show and available for sale?
We offer a continuously changing display of 30-40 pieces in the centre’s main hall which visitors may view at their leisure. Since 1979 we have held an annual Art Show and Sale offering 350+ original works in a variety of media. Artists choose which of their pieces to exhibit. We offer unframed, matted, and framed works and a large collection of original art cards. Click here for information about our next show.

What will things be like when I'm 80?

Are you in your 30s, but have wondered what it will be like when you're 80? Check out this article on Boston.com that hypothesizes what things might look like in 2050.

Event at SERC: Applied Research Job Fair

On March 30, over 30 students, faculty, and industry partners gathered in the SERC Internet Cafe to learn more about the many applied research positions available to students this summer. These positions are all funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) College and Community Innovation grant, which funds industry-led research to support small- to medium-sized businesses and increase opportunities to participate in research for both students and faculty at Sheridan. Susan Pratten, one of the faculty members involved in the research, created this collage of photos from the event.

Keep on dancing: Dancing in later life

Here are two wonderful examples of both professionals and amateur dancers continuing - successfully - into later life. Click here for a Globe and Mail story about the number of older dancers performing in current productions in Toronto, and click here for a story from last year's Toronto Star about a group of older men from Peterborough who have formed a dance company.

The state of the art with the head of the National Institute on Aging

For a brief summary of the latest work in research on aging, check out this interview with Dr. Richard Hodes, the Director of the National Institute on Aging in the United States.

Why Wouldn't We... Participate

Bridging the Gap: Intergenerational Memories and Music Program

Who wouldn’t want to be the elderly person in this picture, being escorted into their seat by a young person, to watch and receive an original song about your life? Then again, what young person wouldn’t want the chance to learn new skills, build a wonderful relationship, have fun and be a part of something bigger than him or herself?

The Bridging the Gap, Memories and Music Program gave the Georgetown District High School Vocal Music students such an opportunity and much more. In early September, the music class was asked if they wanted to participate in a memories and music project. ALL hands went up.

In this project, the students would interview local seniors, write, compose and record the songs and, finally, perform them in front of the seniors and their families. This was a vocal class with only a third of the students having any musical experience.

When asked about their decision to participate, the students' response was, "What wouldn't we want to do this project? A change to get new creative real...why wouldn't we?"

- Nora Zylstra-Savage, Storylines

www.story-lines.ca

To view a video collage of students performances, click here.

Latest research: Aerobic exercise may improve memory in older adults

More movement on the brain fitness front: recent research indicates that starting an aerobic exercise program in later life may have a positive impact on performance on tests of memory. So for all you couch potatoes - which the study participants were - it's not necessarily too late to make some changes for the better! For more information, see a report on the article on the NPR website.

Event at SERC: NSERC CCI Launch

February 7, 2011

SERC's research team, our business partners in the NSERC CCI grant, the SERC advisory board, and Sheridan administration gathered at the Twisted Fork in Oakville, Ontario to celebrate the start of what will be a 5-year collaboration between SERC and area businesses to support aging well in place.

David Foot, noted economist and author of Boom, Bust & Echo spoke to the group about the importance of taking our aging population into account for businesses.


See below for some photos from the event!








Sheridan President and CEO, Dr. Jeff Zabudsky, with Dr. David Foot












SERC Advisory Board members Peter Broadhurst, Candace Fochuk-Barey, and Richard Finch, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Health and Community Studies








Karen Aikman from the Halton Region Services for Seniors, Francesca Abbruzzese from Sheridan Research, and Bob Kallonen from Schlegel Villages.

Dr. Darren Lawless, Dean of Research and Innovation, Karen Hamilton from PointerWare Innovations, and Susan Pratten, faculty member in the Social Service Worker program at Sheridan.

Saskatoon woman is now oldest living Canadian

Pearl Lutzko, a resident of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, is Canada's oldest citizen at age 112. Check out this CBC report on her and her family, which spans 5 generations. Her son - age 94 - still visits her every day!

Dealing with the ramifications of dementia

Two reports of deaths among older adults - seemingly due, in part, to the negligence of neighbors - have hit the Canadian media (see here and here).

Caregiving for someone with dementia is one of the most difficult tasks someone can take on. Caregivers need to be helped - and doing this is of increasing social concern with the daunting increase in people with dementia projected in the next 10 years.

However, Western society is one that favors privacy and autonomy, and it is not well defined when it is appropriate for someone - a neighbor, a family member - to step in and offer help. Rather than blaming the neighbors of these older adults who passed away, it is more constructive to consider solutions that work within our current social norms to facilitate the provision of necessary help.

Do older adults need a curated website?

Recently we came across a website that puts simple links to what might be considered essential sites for older adults all together in one place: seniordashboard.com.

This was originally designed by a couple specifically for their 80+ year old parents. It's an interesting idea - but does it fly for the general population of older adults? The site is a good resource for the basics of web navigation and privacy considerations, and it a good jumping off point for the internet novice. However, for any such site, there may be questions about how the site is curated. What do you think about this type of site for older adults?