Positive Aging Movement Takes Off

I was fortunate to attend a convening of philanthropic, art, and community leaders at “Artful Aging: The Transformative Power of Creativity,” co-sponsored by Aroha Philanthropies and the Hewlett Foundation. The goal of the one-day event was to highlight the benefits of creative aging programs that “inspire and enable older adults to learn, make and share the arts in ways that are novel, complex and socially engaging.”

There's increasing recognition that art in its many forms (music, dance, theater, writing and visual arts) benefits seniors emotionally, cognitively and socially in ways that are beginning to show bottom line results. Only recently have research studies begun to validate that participation in the arts is really good for the aging body, psyche and brain and therefore a good investment. Aroha unveiled a brief documentary highlighting the shift toward appreciating the aging process and the enhanced wisdom characteristic of this life stage. Titled The Wall, this animated video blew me away with its upbeat, inspirational message. Watch this three-minute charmer here or here.