This highly interactive seminar will focus on how arts learning fuels human development in later life. We’ll begin with a review of the latest developments in the rapidly evolving field of creative aging, including new discoveries about the powerful impact of creative activities on the brain. We’ll examine how older adults learn and continue to develop their potential, and we’ll dig into the design, implementation, and evaluation of effective, sustainable programs in three arenas: skill-based lifelong learning, therapy-based health and wellness programs, and intergenerational community engagement. The importance of tapping the life experiences of older adults—finding and framing their stories—will be explored using case studies and evidence-based practices in multiple disciplines.
Register through the NCCA's website
Schedule:
9:30: Susan Perlstein: Overview of the field of Creativity and Aging
10:00 – 11:00: Keynote by Michael Patterson, MindRAMP & Associates
11:00 – 12:00: Principles of older adult learning and the arts; Design, implementation and evaluation
of best practice programs
12:00 - 1:00: Lunch
1:00 – 2:45: Best practice panel featuring:
- Miriam Eckelhoefer, Director of Community Programs, Longy Music Conservatory, Boston, MA
- Joyce Bonomini, Director of Education, Hoffman Performing Arts Institute, Clearwater, FL
- Nan Richerson, Program Director, Lexington School of Music, KY
- Renee Manning, Music Faculty, Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, Brooklyn, NY
2:45 – 3:45: Small groups & roundtable discussion on three topics: Healthcare, Education, and Community led by best practice panelists.
3:45 – 4:30: Full group discussion as tables report back on their findings