Creative Aging Project
There is a growing recognition among gerontologists that involvement in creative activities such as the arts can contribute significantly to well-being across the life span. Erroneous negative stereotypes notwithstanding, old age does not necessarily mean a loss of creativity and, in fact, many artists have reached new plateaus of creativity in their 60s, 70s, and 80s. Examples include: Martha Graham dancing until 75 and choreographing until age 96; Arthur Rubenstein performing into his late 80s; Antonio Stradivari making several of his most famous violins at age 92; Pablo Picasso painting into his 80s; “Dr. Seuss” publishing in his early 80s; and Helen Keller publishing Teacher at age 75. Wile one might see these as examples of extraordinary artists, the fact is that many people of lesser talents continue to practice and take much gratification from their creative endeavors into old age.
In recognition of this creativity, the Ithaca College music, theatre arts, art department, and the Gerontology Institute, have worked together on a number of arts and aging activities. These include a full day conference on “Aging and Creativity” in spring 2001 with Dr. Gene Cohen as keynote speaker; an exhibit in Handwerker Gallery of the works of local artists age 65 and over; development and implementation of a course titled, “Creative Experience with Older Adults”; development of materials for art courses; joint-sponsorship of a performance of a play; student and faculty initiated creative activities at Longview; and, leadership in an effort to link community arts organizations with the Elders Share the Arts, a National Center for Creative Aging (NCCA) participating organization.