Fifth annual Arts and Aging Day Canada showcases the benefits of arts for older adults

On September 24, join Sheridan’s Centre for Elder Research (CER) and the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) for the fifth annual Arts and Aging Day Canada, a national day of celebration that highlights the many ways arts and creativity enrich the lives of older adults and those who care for them.

Over the last five years, Arts and Aging Day Canada has become a vital force in promoting the role of creativity in enhancing the quality of life for older adults and has helped connect Canadian networks and organizations involved in arts, health and aging.

Its genesis came when Dr. Kate Dupuis, Schlegel Innovation Leader in Arts and Aging at CER and the RIA, and a professor in Sheridan’s Faculty of Applied Health and Community Studies, was inspired by the UK-based “National Day of Arts in Care Homes”. Witnessing the event's impact on older adults across the UK, combined with her influential arts and aging research, led to the Arts and Aging Day Canada launch in 2020, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. With many organizations moving arts-based programming online, the initiative’s virtual opportunities for engagement and connection were a welcome comfort for older adults and their care partners.

“When we think about aging, creativity and self-expression are so important for health and well-being, including brain health. As the field of aging moves away from focusing solely on a medicalized model to a more holistic model of care, initiatives like Arts and Aging Day Canada align perfectly as we connect and share the creativity of our older population across Canada,” said Dupuis.

Whether in the community, workplace or at home, you’re invited to share your creations and experiences on social media to inspire others across the country. Participating in arts-based activities has been shown to boost well-being in numerous ways — physically, mentally, emotionally, socially and spiritually. This year’s event on September 24 will provide opportunities to participate in several interactive virtual events, including:

• 10:30 a.m. EST | Drawing workshop hosted by Artfull Enrichment | Register for the workshop
• 2 p.m. EST | Concert held by Concerts in Care Canada | Join with Zoom
• 3 p.m. EST | Dance class offered by Canada’s National Ballet School | Join with Zoom

Interested in other ways to get involved? Visit the Arts and Aging Day Canada website and follow these easy tips:

• Step 1: Take a photo, write a blog post, or make a video of an arts-based activity or creation. Need some inspiration? Visit the Arts and Aging Day Canada website for some ideas.
• Step 2: Write a social media post and add the hashtag #ArtsAndAgingCA to promote the benefits of arts and creativity.
• Step 3: Share the social media post on September 24.
• Step 4: Follow the hashtag #ArtsAndAgingCA and get inspired by the incredible work happening across Canada that brings the arts to older adults.

About the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging

The Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) is a charitable, non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and care of older adults. The RIA tackles some of the biggest issues facing an aging population by integrating research, education and practice. The RIA develops and shares solutions that make a difference to benefit older adults everywhere. Learn more at www.the-ria.ca.

About Sheridan’s Centre for Elder Research

The Centre for Elder Research (CER) conducts leading-edge research in the field of aging by examining innovative ways to enhance the well-being of older adults and the environments that support them. CER provides a collaborative environment for Sheridan’s faculty, staff and student teams to develop creative and interdisciplinary real-world solutions, working alongside older adults, industry partners and community organizations. CER is an integral part of Generator at Sheridan, where people with diverse perspectives work together across disciplines and sectors to spark ideas and advance solutions that really matter. Learn more at sheridancollege.ca/elder-research.