,

Friend,

Life expectancy in the United States has increased by 50% since 1900; people are living longer, striving to stay active and expecting more out of their free time. Many older people have begun to redefine retirement, a milestone that used to signify a slower pace of life. These days through participation in arts activities like dance, music and the visual arts, older adults are using their newfound freedom to realize dreams and talents they never knew they had. Not only are older adults living happier, more fulfilled lives, but according to recent research this creative engagement is keeping their healthcare costs lower and maintaining their independence as they age.

Research tells us that there is a significant link between expressing creativity and the quality of life of older adults.  A recent groundbreaking study on the impact of cultural programs on the health of older adults was spearheaded by Dr. Gene Cohen, Director of George Washington University's Center on Aging, Health and Humanities. The preliminary results from his research indicate that those who engage in the arts experience:

• Significantly fewer doctor's visits
• Diminished use of medication
• Improved morale          See below for more findings...

Considering the cost of healthcare alone, the economic implications of these findings are monumental. New Jersey's communities are rich with cultural opportunities for people of all ages.  In this issue of E News I will highlight some of the many programs and events that Arts Council grantees offer that foster creativity and a better quality of life for older adults in New Jersey.

Warmly,

Carol Ann Herbert
Chair, NJ State Council on the Arts

Connecting Through the Arts

We now know that involvement in the arts fosters vital feelings of connectedness and accountability that are often missing for older people. The New Jersey Intergenerational Orchestra (NJIO) bridges the generation gap through music and fosters meaningful experiences. The ensemble includes musicians from ages six to 85 and provides the opportunity for everyone to play together in a supportive learning environment. Semi-retired school psychologist Susan Clayton expresses that her involvement in NJIO provides her with "a release valve for stress and a way to keep mentoring children."  NJIO has added luster to her life and given her "an avenue to shine."

Similarly, productions at the Open Air Theatre of New Jersey include actors of all ages, many of whom are over 55. The multigenerational casts create depth in the performances and create an environment of learning in which all the actors strive together for success. This feeling of camaraderie and community is a common result of arts participation. The Island Singers in Ocean County is an ensemble of about 40 members ranging from age 17 to 85. Coming together as a cohesive group is a main goal, according to Music Director Polly Moore, and the bond goes beyond the musical performance. Singer Barbara Umpleby, 62, says the group helps her "get out and socialize with others and do something I really love."

Lifelong Learning in the Arts

The arts challenge us to be creative, take risks and learn new skills, all of which help keep the mind astute and boost confidence as we age. The Union County Division of Cultural and Heritage Affairs recognizes this crucial relationship and hosts an annual conference, the Arts and Well Being Initiative, sharing groundbreaking research and trends in the field of creativity and aging.

Participants in studio classes at the Art of Motion workshops explore many different media including movement and dance. Olivia Galgano, Artistic Director reports that many of her ballet students are older adults who express the "inner serenity they feel from ballet class." She says, "They enjoy the range of movement, the classical and different music genres and most importantly keeping in shape both mentally and physically."

Adults who commit to volunteer positions at NJ museums exercise their minds and stay sharp. "I needed this desperately," says Dorothy Indeck of her volunteer work in the galleries at the Jane Voorhees Zimmerli Art Museum, "I get to open a new world to people through the arts and that fills a void for me both personally and professionally. I am constantly challenged to learn and share fascinating things." Ongoing, thorough training is required of the volunteers at The Newark Museum as well, where more than half of  the volunteers are over 65 years old. Keeping pace with the Museum's changing exhibits and visitors is paramount and Nora Peytan, Director of Membership and Volunteers says she couldn't be happier. She has this to say about her volunteers: "The knowledge, experience and poise that they bring to their work makes them exceptional ambassadors for the museum as well as great mentors for the younger people they work with. Their contribution would be very difficult to replicate."

Zimmerli

Bringing in the Arts

Feelings of loneliness are all too common for those living out their "golden years", especially for those with limited mobility. NJ's cultural community responds by bringing the arts to people like Edith Siberstein, 84, who was visited by Camden County Cultural & Heritage Commission's ongoing program Musical Interludes. "You have no idea what it does to have someone cut off from the world and have the world come back in with the concerts, and bring memories", she says. The program brings the power of music into the homes of seniors who are no longer able to attend concerts and performances. Camden County Freeholder Riletta Cream said that "Musical Interludes has been one of the greatest artistic programs ever brought to Camden County." 

Artists from the Algonquin Theatre also travel to senior centers and long-term care facilities to perform for older adults through the Theatre's Stage One Series. When an audience member and resident of Laurelton Village was asked what he thought of the Algonquin performers he simply replied, "they changed the weather."

CC Musical Interludes

Quick Facts

Dr. Cohen's final results will be shared on November 3rd and 4th at the National Summit on Arts and Aging: Creativity Matters hosted by the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and cosponsored by the Arts Council in partnership with the National Center for Creative Aging. More of Dr. Cohen's preliminary findings tell us that older people who participated in the arts experienced:

• Significantly better overall health
• Fewer falls
• Less hip damage
• Diminished vision problems
• Significantly better scores on the Geriatric Depression Scale
• Significantly better scores on the Geriatric Loneliness Scale
• Increased involvement in activities (long term)

Learn more about Dr. Cohen's groundbreaking study on  the importance of the arts in the overall health and quality of life of older adults.

Perkins