The Arts Help Older Adults Live More Meaningful Lives.

MINNEAPOLIS - Oct. 11, 2013 - PRLog -- Minnesota is graying. The Minnesota Department of Health states that “between 2000 and 2030, the 65 and over population will increase from 12.1 percent to 24 percent of the total state population, doubling  from 600,000 to 1.2 million people. From 2000 and 2050, the 85 and older population will nearly triple from 90,000 to 250,000.”

As our demographics change, how are we preparing to ensure older adults live a healthy, meaningful life?  In his groundbreaking book, The Creative Age: Awakening Human Potential in the Second Half of Life, arts and aging  researcher, Gene Cohen advocated for a new way of seeing older adults that moves from a "deficit" approach,  stressing losses, to an "asset" approach, stressing strengths, potential, and achievements. This research provided compelling evidence that older people who are involved in creating art, music, theatre and other artistic forms feel better, remain more independent, and live more meaningful lives.

ArtSage, a Minnesota nonprofit who serves as a catalyst for the field of arts and aging, provides training for artists and organizations, consulting services for senior organizations and resources for those working in the field of arts and aging.   ArtSage will present FREE "Introduction to Arts and Aging" workshops in five cities across Minnesota.  These day-long workshops are created specifically for artists, arts organization staff, senior serving community staff members, older adults, caregivers and anyone interested in the growing field of arts and aging.

The workshops will be taught by nationally known teaching artists and experts Jeanie Brindley-Barnett from MacPhail School of Music, Jane Tygesson of Opening Doors to Memory,  Jeanne Bayer from MacPhail Center for Music and Andrea Lewandowski of Ebenzer. Workhops will be held in St. Cloud, Fergus Falls, Austin, Minneapolis and Grand Rapids, October 24,25, 29,30, and 31 from 9AM – 4:30PM.

Preregistration is required. Coffee is provided. Lunch is available for a fee.  Contact:  Megan@artsagemn.org  or visit www.artsagemn.org

Workshop Site Locations and Times

Thursday, October 24  9AM – 4:30PM
Paramount Theatre & Visual Arts Center
913 W. St. Germain St.
St. Cloud, MN 56301

Friday, October 25  9AM – 4:30PM
Minnesota State Community and Technical College /Legacy Hall
1414 College Way
Fergus Falls, MN 56537

Tuesday, October 29 9AM – 4:30pm
Hormel Historic Home
204 4th Avenue NW
Austin, MN 55912

Wednesday, October 30 9am – 4:30pm
MacPhail Center for Music
501 S 2nd St
Minneapolis, MN 55401

Thursday, October 31 9am – 4:30pm
Myles Reif Performing Arts Center
720 NW Conifer Dr
Grand Rapids, MN 55744

Participants in the “Introduction to Arts and Aging" workshops will:
• Increase their understanding of qualities, characteristics and dimensions unique to the aging population,
• Develop tools and techniques to work with older adult populations, and
• Learn from leading local, regional and national presenters and experts in the field.

For more information on ArtSage, visit  www.artsagemn.org
Follow us on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/artsagemn

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board and the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.