28th Annual Art is Ageless™ Exhibits show talent, diversity of senior artists

In addition, creative arts provide many benefits to seniors. From continuing to challenge the mind, to working through difficulties such as physical losses that come with advanced age, to using art while recuperating from illness, the self-satisfaction and accomplishment in completing works of art can provide measureable health benefits. Well-known artist Elizabeth "Grandma" Layton developed her distinctive line drawing technique using elders as her subjects well into her 80s. Her art helped her overcome depression.

For Presbyterian Manor residents, results of creative pursuits are very similar. They find new ways to challenge themselves which provides the opportunity to challenge their minds and reduce the effects age can have. In addition, even seasoned professionals find a spark of wonder in the creation of artistic works for the first time. For those in our higher levels of living, residents can better make the transition to a level of care where they are more dependent on others, and find their mood and health improved. Regardless of level of living, they find pride in accomplishment and the inspiration to try more new things. In her article on Creativity & Aging, Dalene Entenmann observes that:

Creativity, the expression of self actualization and means of connecting in conversation with the world through the imagination, originality and innovation brought forth by the individualistic self in artistic and inventive works, offers several benefits:

Encourages the mind to continually see the world in new ways.
Nurtures problem solving skills.
Helps to process and work through emotional issues.
Fosters community involvement leading to the lessening of depression and loneliness.
Connects the inner spiritual self to the physical world in giving the spirit a tangible voice.
Promotes physical activity.

With all the obvious benefit, creativity is an unfamiliar mysterious process for most of us, the enigmatic domain of the talented few. Traditionally, creativity has been dismissed as an endeavor not worthy of our effort, the idle play of childhood best left behind for more serious and substantial accomplishments of adulthood.

Spirit of Art is Ageless winners exemplify the pursuit of creativity whether seeking out new art mediums, engaging in art for the first time in their lives. Consider now 93-year-old Mary Kessler in Newton, Kans. who began quilting in 2001 after moving to Presbyterian Manor. Then, when watercolor classes were offered, decided to try her hand at painting with beautiful results. In Salina, Kans., Dr. Perry Hunsley picked up brush and canvas after moving to Presbyterian Manor. His works use subjects from nature and his winter chickadee painting was selected as the Christmas Card for the Presbyterian Manor system in 2005.

While art can be therapeutic to everyone, the benefits to seniors are countless. According to the Alzheimer's Association,"art activities provide pleasurable activity, assist in socialization and contribute to the individual's sense of well-being." Manor communities that have brought in the Alzheimer's Memories in the Making program for residents in higher care levels see positive changes in their residents abililties to cope with the effects of advanced age; not to mention the way a resident's face lights up when they see they have the ability to create something beautiful.

Past Art is Ageless calendars have included works by residents in Memory Support programs who participated in classes or art therapy. These opportunities for means of expression beyond what Alzheimer's was taking away from them provided a sense of self-worth that is difficult to achieve in daily routines.

In a study published in 2006, Dr. Gene Cohen, director of the Center on Aging, Health & Humanities at the George Washington University Medical Center, and his colleagues, found that seniors in a professionally run chorale gave their health a higher rating than other seniors who were not in creative community classes. They fell fewer times, felt happier and did more activities -- all factors contributing to their independence.

"Despite an average age of 80 they actually improved in health during the two years of the study," researcher Cohen added, "while those in the control group declined. It was quite striking."

While the current Art is Ageless exhibits are a testament to the creativity of senior artists from throughout Presbyterian Manors' service area, and the most public aspect of the Art is Ageless program, it is the opportunities for creative expression throughout the year that bring Art is Ageless to life. You are invited and encouraged to take the time to visit the Art is Ageless Exhibit nearest you to see how brightly the creative flame burns in later years.

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