Sheridan researcher helms day devoted to the importance of arts activities for older adults

On September 24, 2021, join Sheridan’s Centre for Elder Research and the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) in celebration of the second annual Arts and Aging Day Canada – a day devoted to highlighting arts-based activities for older adults across social media platforms. 

Based on the work of Arts in Care Homes, a not-for-profit based in the UK, Arts and Aging Day Canada aims to use social media to highlight the positive effects of arts-based activities in long-term care homes, retirement communities, seniors centres, and community organizations across the country. 

Arts and Aging Day Canada will once again be led by Dr. Kate Dupuis, Schlegel Innovation Leader in Arts and Aging at Sheridan College, and a professor in the Faculty of Applied Health and Community Studies at the College. Dr. Dupuis’ research explores the creative and performing arts in relation to older adults, and how participation in the arts can serve to enhance the health and well-being of older adults and those who care for them. 

New this year, the day will feature virtual activities including dance session with Canada’s National Ballet School and Moonhorse Dance Theatre, a visual art-making class with the Imagination Network, and much more.

“This day is a fabulous opportunity to highlight and share the exciting arts activities being engaged in by older adults and their friends, family members, and care partners, across Canada. This is a chance for us to learn more about what our colleagues and different organizations are doing, and create connections in the field of arts, health, and aging,” said Dr. Dupuis. 

“Through the arts, joy and satisfaction in self-expression can be found throughout one’s lifetime. We are seeing the tremendous benefits of arts-based activities for older adults”, said Dr. Tina Mah, executive director of the RIA. “We’re thrilled to see Arts and Aging Day Canada build upon last year’s success, now with several more engaging activities.”

Get involved in Arts and Aging Day Canada by sharing your organization’s arts activities, creations and experiences through social media. From choirs and poetry, visual arts and dance, we want to highlight all the ways the arts are engaging and supporting Canadian older adults, both in-person, and virtually
 
Getting Involved 

Step 1: Take a photo, write a blog post or make a video of an arts-based activity at your organization. Do this ahead of time or on the day. Make it as simple or as detailed as you want — whatever is easier for your organization. 
Step 2: Write a social media post, and add the hashtag #ArtsAndAgingCA. 
Step 3: Share the post on social media on September 24, 2021. 
Step 4: Follow #ArtsAndAgingCA and get inspired by the incredible work happening across Canada that brings the arts to older adults. 

Follow #ArtsAndAgingCA on social media and share what you/your organization are doing to connect older adults with the arts. 

For more information or support on how to get started, please visit the Arts and Aging Day Canada website or email kate.dupuis@sheridancollege.ca. 

About the Sheridan Centre for Elder Research 

Sheridan is known as a global leader in creativity, innovation and research excellence, with the Sheridan Centre for Elder Research (CER) unique in its role as the sole Canadian college research centre focusing on older adults. CER conducts leading-edge research in the field of aging by examining innovative ways to enhance the well-being of older adults and the people and environments that support them. Visit www.sheridancollege.ca/research/centres/elder-research for more information. 


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 solutions that make a difference to benefit older adults everywhere. 
The RIA supports a world-class research team, including nine Schlegel Research Chairs (soon to be 14), four Schlegel Specialists, and over 20 research scientists. The RIA has core partnerships with Schlegel Villages, University of Waterloo and Conestoga College, and collaborates with many other academic institutions and organizations. The RIA is located in Waterloo with unique-in-the-world infrastructure that brings together researchers, students, health professionals, older adults and care partners to learn with and from each other. 

Learn more at www.the-ria.ca.