The arts and creativity have the ability to give us fresh ways to make sense of the world, to relate to oneself and others, and to feel “connected.” Creative expression fosters and amplifies positive emotions, promotes more energized and vital ways of engaging with daily activities, and increases resilience and endurance. This is especially important for Seniors because of their rank as the most vulnerable to feeling disconnected and isolated, and a slew of health challenges loneliness has been proven to exacerbate.
Amy Poueymirou, Program Director of the Foundation for Art & Healing, will examine research findings relevant to Creativity, Connectedness and Health - particularly in Seniors that will help us care for ourselves and others. During this event, Amy will also unpack loneliness and isolation as a growing concern to those in helping professions and service to others, and ways the arts and creativity can be a powerful tool as we respond.
This interactive program will launch a Senior Resilience Through Creative Engagement initiative of the Berkshire and Franklin MRC Units. Volunteers will be matched with an isolated senior, one-on-one, by phone or computer to introduce a variety of creative engagement activities (storytelling, film and discussion, access to virtual cultural events) in order to lessen the negative health impacts of isolation and loneliness. Volunteers needed from virtually anywhere!
To learn more visit https://wmmrc.org/creative-resilience
Program funded by MA Service Alliance COVID-19 Resiliency Grant