FINDING THE STORIES: THE SEARCH FOR MEANING IN LATER LIFE

Transcription

1 March 29 th 1:00PM EST Ken Cole Moderator Susan Perlstein Presenter Sponsored by FINDING THE STORIES: THE SEARCH FOR MEANING IN LATER LIFE SUSAN PERLSTEIN FOUNDER EMERITUS NATIONAL CENTER FOR CREATIVE AGING ELDERS SHARE THE ARTS MARCH 29, 2013 BIG PICTURE People are living longer and healthier lives Demographic shift by 2030 Over 70 million people will be over 65 The number of people over 85 will double 1

2 GOOD NEWS! Move from a problem orientation of aging to seeing the potential of older people Shift from deficits to strength based approach Desire for meaningful and purposeful engagement/the baby boomers! BUILDING COMMUNITY & LEAVING A LEGACY Erik Erikson Theory of Life Cycle (8 Stages) Final Stage: Integrity vs. Despair Robert Butler Why Survive? Growing Old in America (1975) Linking Life Cycle & Aging Process Importance of Reminiscence: Coming to terms with loss and celebrating life s successes Gene Cohen The Mature Mind (2005) 3 Life Phases: Looking Forward as 3 rd Phase Focus on: Liberation, Exploration, Importance of Creativity Chocolate for the Brain DEFINITIONS Life review: (a type of narrative) draws on Erikson s life cycle premises regarding the need to revisit past. (Butler, 1963) Reminiscence: involves active recall of past events. (Sherman, 1991) Narrative gerontology: the study of aging as a biographical process; views lives as storied. (Kenyon et al) Life Story: set of stories by which we understand ourselves over time, is expanding, lengthening, changing. (Kenyon et al) 2

3 MEANING THROUGH STORY Discover the life story of the person. Learn what makes the person happy, sad. View the older adult at the center of the model, locus of control shifts to older person and those who care closely for them. Listen actively to make sense of illness. COMMUNICATION SKILLS Building a trustful relationship. Active listening and effective responding techniques. Non-verbal communication. Supporting, clarifying, restating, reflecting, summarizing and validating. Being open-minded. Learning to be comfortable with silence. MIND/BODY CONNECTIONS PSYCHONEUROIMMUNOLGY (PNI) MIND BRAIN IMMUNE SYSTEM Increased Production of T Cells & MK Cells 3

4 WITH AGING, ART IS LIKE CHOCOLATE TO THE BRAIN THE CREATIVITY & AGING STUDY THE IMPACT OF PROFESSIONALLY CONDUCTED CULTURAL PROGRAMS ON OLDER ADULTS OVERVIEW OF STUDY IN BRIEF Measured the impact of community based art programs on the general health, mental health & social activities of older persons. 4

5 MAJOR FINDINGS IN BRIEF: AT THE START, THE ART GROUPS AND THE CONTROLS WERE COMPARABLE ON ALL MAJOR MEASURES The Art Groups improved in health; controls declined Compared to the controls, the art groups used less medication had fewer doctor visits Compared to the controls, the art groups did better on the Depression Scale the Loneliness Scale the Morale Scale The art groups had an increase in activities, while the controls experienced a decline in activities ARTS PARTICIPATION: CREATIVITY, COGNITION & AGING 3. Noice, Noice, & Staines (2004) Theatrical training & cognitive function Cognitive function & mental health assessment using word recall, listening tasks, self-esteem. Results: theatre group scored higher on recall, & problem solving and well-being. Work on that brain! Acting Classes Improve Memory and Slow Cognitive Decline FINDING THE STORY: SENSORY AWARENESS AND SENSE MEMORY Although there may be sensory loss, sense memories remain and can be re-stimulated. Sense association begins with observation of the person, and asking questions. Using triggers can stimulate conversation. 5

6 USE OF SENSE MEMORY See Hear Touch Taste Smell Movement *Sense Memory Poems THE ART OF INQUIRY Open / closed questions Investigative questions Who When Where What is happening FINDING THEMES Themes that are used in beginning groups Themes that are used in experienced groups How do you find themes? 6

7 BEST PRACTICE: GUIDING PRINCIPLES Follow Older Adult Learning Principles (Androgogy) Develop Sequential Programming Use Professional Artists as Educators Evaluate Programs Create and Maintain Sustainable Practices STORY AND TRANSFORMING THE STORIES INTO ART WORK Health and Wellness Timeslips (story) Songwriting works (music) Life long learning Center in the Park (ceramics) Memoir writing Community Building Elders Share the Arts (Multi disciplinary) Dance Exchange (Dance) Timeslips 7

8 SONGWRITING WORKS CREATIVITY MATTERS! QUESTIONS Regarding Creative Aging or the National Center for Creative Aging please contact: SUSAN PERLSTEIN, Founder/Consultant National Center for Creative Aging If you have questions regarding National Guild programs or services, please contact: James C. Horton, Program Director National Guild For Community Arts Education (212) X12 8

9 WE ARE OUR STORIES 9