Susan Perlstein Founder Emeritus, National Center for Creative Aging Creative Aging: State of the Field In the United States

Envision a world where all individuals flourish across their lifespan through creative expression… Photos from the Beautiful Minds Campaign courtesy of DSM Nutritional Products

a national arts service organization designated by the NEA that serves the spectrum of aging through—  Capacity Building  Policy and Public Awareness  Research and Development

People are living longer and healthier lives Demographic shift by 2030 Over 70 million people will be over 65 The number of people over 85 will double BIG PICTURE

Move from a problem orientation of aging to seeing the potential of older people Shift from deficits to strength based approach Desire for meaningful and purposeful engagement/the baby boomers! Good News!

2001:National Center for Creative Aging was founded by ESTA 2005: Creativity & Aging Research 2005: White House Conference on Aging 2006: National Arts and Aging Conference : Symposia around the country 2011 & 2013: Policy White papers: NEA, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services and NCCA 2013 NCCA/NEA: Communities of Practice for Arts Councils 2015: White House Conference on Aging 2014 & 2015: Leadership Exchange and Conferences History of the field of creative aging

The Creativity and Aging Study The Impact of Professionally Conducted Cultural Programs on Older Adults The Creativity and Aging Study Measured the impact of community-based art programs on the general health, mental health & social activities of older persons. Primary Investigator: Gene Cohen M.D. PhD George Washington University (GW)

This study builds upon two major bodies of Gerontologic research: Sense of Mastery and Control Social Engagement There is the sustaining role of art, keeping one interested and continuing in the study. Theoretical Background for the Study

With Aging, Art is like Chocolate to the Brain

The Art Groups improved in health; Controls declined Compared to the Controls, the Art Groups —used less medication —had fewer doctor visits Compared to the Controls, the Art Groups did better on —the Depression Scale —the Loneliness Scale —the Morale Scale The Art Groups had an increase in activities, while the controls experienced a decline in activities Major Findings —At the Start, The Art Groups and the Controls Were Comparable on All Major Measures

Sense of Control ESTA, New York

Social Engagement ESTA, New York

Mastery CEYA. San Francisco

Social Engagement & Mastery The Kennedy Center Senior Singers Chorale

Research: Cost Savings There are more than 36 million Medicare D eligible persons. In the Intervention Group 8¢ a day savings in medications, extrapolated for the year comes to $1 Billion in yearly savings; $1 a day saves $13 Billion a year In the Intervention Group Doctor Visit savings are Conservatively estimated to be around $6.3 Billion a year.

Research: Creativity and Aging Study II: University of San Francisco Community Music Center San Francisco, CA

Hackney, Kantorovich & Earhart (2007) Tango dancing program for people with Parkinson’s disease. 38 subjects in control or tango group Classes for 23 weeks Only Tango group improved on all measures of balance, falls and gait. Research

Fritsch, et al. (2009) Ten-week storytelling intervention– on quality of life for persons with dementia. Timeslips program participants were more engaged, alert & more frequent staff-resident interactions & positive staff views of people with dementia. Research

Older Adult Learning Principles Older people have life experience and they are the keepers of our culture Older people know what they want to learn about. Older people are looking to expand their friendships and social connections. Capacity Building: Best Practices

Guiding Principles Follow Older Adult Learning Principles (Androgogy) Develop Sequential Programming Use Professional Artists as Educators Evaluate Programs Create and Maintain Sustainable Practices Capacity Building: Best Practices

To gain knowledge and skills in the arts throughout a lifetime To recognize the principles of older adult learning Lifelong Learning

New Horizons Bands

Baltimore Clayworks

Elders Share The Arts, Brooklyn, NY

Creative Aging in Our Communities: The Libraries Project

To connect and to contribute through the arts in meaningful and purposeful ways. Through intergenerational programs Older artists give back to community Community Engagement

Stagebridge Senior Theatre Oakland, CA Community Engagement

Elders Share the Arts Brooklyn, NY Community Engagement

To develop and promote creative expression as a means to improved physical and cognitive health Improving the quality of life for active and frail older people as well as their professional and family caregivers Health and Wellness

Meet Me at MoMA (museum-based) Alzheimer’s Poetry Project KAIROS ALIVE! Dancing Heart TimeSlips Sustained Health and Wellness Programs

Embrace this moment! Creativity Matters!!

Come flourish with the National Center for Creative Aging! Join us for the 2016 Creative Age Conference: An International Leadership Exchange