Building community and promoting healthy aging in research

On June 27 at the Sheridan Conference Centre, the Centre for Elder Research (CER) hosted an event celebrating new research results from a collaborative community project in arts and healthy aging. Thanks to generous funding from the Retired Teachers of Ontario Foundation (RTOERO), Dr. Kate Dupuis, the Schlegel Innovation Leader in Arts and Aging at CER, and a professor in the Faculty of Applied Health and Community Studies, worked with Artfull Enrichment to provide more accessible ways of participating in visual art-making opportunities for approximately 150 Canadian older adults.

Over 50 attendees, which included participants involved in pilot evaluations and focus groups as part of the project, came together both in-person and over Zoom for an exhibition of the art they created during the project and to learn more about the impact of arts, creativity and self-expression on health and well-being across the lifespan.

Artfull Enrichment is a community-based service that enhances the well-being of seniors by offering creative programs that encourage lifelong learning, social connectivity and self-expression. Its founder, Cailey Massey, has brought arts-based programming to older adults and their care partners in retirement communities and other care settings. With this project, Dr. Dupuis evaluated the online presence of Artfull Enrichment and helped to develop new tools and platforms (a website and mobile app) that would help those over the age of 55 engage in creative practice. The new platforms will provide seniors with access to live virtual instruction, pre-recorded programming, art history education, and socialization and connection opportunities that build their sense of self and community.

To learn more about CER’s work in arts and aging, please visit sheridancollege.ca/elder-research.