Notes from Peter - February 2012

People come to the Center for a wide variety of reasons. We come to get or stay physically fit, to stretch our minds, to live our travel dreams today, to plug in with volunteer service throughout our community, to connect with new and long-standing friends, and to get in touch with our creativity.

There is an interesting new body of research that illustrates how trying creative arts benefit brain health as we age. I know from talking with those in our Flashbacks and Second-Wind Band, Encore Players, Writing for Pleasure and our other performing arts groups that the main reason they participate is the joy they glean from participating.

Now we know that our brains thrive on creative activity and challenges that actually foster growth in our brain fitness.

The late Dr. Gene Cohen was the most powerful voice in showing how the arts and aging are a good match. His research showed that participants develop a strong sense of control and self-confidence from involvement in the arts. The achievement one gains from learning a new musical piece, dance step, painting technique, or lines for a play is more than just ‘busy work’ of stereotypical arts and crafts type activities. By engaging the mind, body, emotions, creative spark, and problem solving all in one program, one not only has fun but achieves great benefits. Studies indicate these include boosting our immune system, fewer doctor visits, less medication usage, higher social engagement, and more positive mental health.

New studies show that “combinatorial programs” that connect physical, social, and mental activity enhance the benefits one gains. Examples of Center programs that do this include learning a new dance step, a musical score, or lines in a play while simultaneously learning the stage movements. One study of a senior theater group showed individuals improved in three key cognitive areas: problem solving, recall, and psychological well-being. The fact that the program is enjoyable encourages people to join in again and again, further fostering the benefits. And you thought you were just having a good time!

Indeed, the number one reason Center participants report they come to the Center is to connect with friends. By doing so in our visual and performing arts programs, they are also building their intellectual, physical, social, and psychological wellness at the same time. All of us benefit from this participation as some 8,000 people each year stay healthy and independent so they can continue to give back to their families and our entire community.