NCCA in the News

Artists Bring Creative Aging to Care Facilities
October's far-reaching AARP Bulletin featured an article on creative aging, both where it is today and where it might go tomorrow. Highlighting examples like the Kairos Dance Theatre and the Stagebridge Senior Theatre, the article makes a compelling argument to bring arts programs to care facilities. As reporter Sally Abrams writes, “The programs are also relatively cheap to run, compared with paying for medicine or physical care — and can produce dramatic results.” The article reports on the growing trend of arts programs in care facilities, and the playwrights, composers and authors they are creating.  Also the piece acknowledges the importance of Dr. Gene Cohen’s research on the benefits that older adults experience when they learn something new and are engaged.

Research Center for Arts and Culture, Long Based at TC, Will Join National Center for Creative Aging 
The Research Center for Arts and Culture (RCAC), which provides data and information in service of artists and the arts, is leaving its long-time base at Teachers College to become part of the National Center for Creative Aging in Washington, D.C.  The change will become effective on September 1, 2011. RCAC Director Joan Jeffri will leave Teachers College’s faculty to continue at the helm of the organization she founded in 1985.  A degree program in Arts Administration, which Jeffri also directs, will continue to operate at Teachers College under new leadership.

Martek Biosciences Corporation and NCCA Rings The NASDAQ Stock Market Opening Bell
National Center for Creative Aging (NCCA) and Martek Biosciences visited NASDAQ MarketSite in Times Square on May 25, 2010 to promote a new partnership and the launch of Beautiful Minds: Finding Your Lifelong Potential, an educational campaign designed to inspire baby boomers to be proactive about brain health.  Martek CEO Steve Dupin, NCCA President Dr. Tobi Abramson and national health and wellness expert Dr. Michael Roizen rang the opening bell. 
Read the rest of the article as well as view pictures and a video of the event HERE

National Center for Creative Aging and MetLife Explore Intergenerational Gardening at DC Symposium
Senior Housing News, April 25, 2010
The National Center for Creative Aging (NCCA) and MetLife Foundation in partnership with the United States Botanic Garden brought together leaders in the field of intergenerational programming and participants from around the country for a 3-day symposium focused on how to build strong communities through engaging intergenerational arts and gardening programs.  Featured speaker Susan Perlstein, MSW, Founder and Director of Special Projects at NCCA did a full-day training in intergenerational program development.  A symposium highlight was keynote speaker Dr. Marianne Krasny, Professor and Chair of the Department of Natural Resources, Principal Investigator Mosaic Intergenerational Garden, Cornell University, who spoke about her program’s efforts to connect youth and elders in community garden projects in New York City.  Also featured was a best-practice panel with program from around the country.  The final day, participants visited community gardens throughout Washington, DC.

Studies Suggest There's An Art to Getting Older
by Beth Baker, Special to The Washington Post
Tuesday, March 11, 2008; Page HE01
In the Greenbelt Community Center, 25 elders sit in a circle, watching professional storyteller Candace Wolf. She Movesaround the circle, smiling, giving someone's shoulder a gentle squeeze, making eye contact. The artist, on the faculty of the nonprofit Bethesda-based Arts for the Aging (AFTA), enlists the group's help in creating a story, based on a silly photo she has passed around of a stocky older couple arm-wrestling...Before long, a narrative has been spun, with threads offered by participants -- most of them people with dementia or other cognitive problems -- and woven by Wolf. She has adapted her storytelling workshops to this audience because studies suggest that making art, or even listening to music or viewing paintings, supports physical, mental and emotional well-being and eases some symptoms of illness, including dementia. The idea is gaining traction.  Read the full article featured in The Washington Post that highlights the NCCA, our new Toolkit, and our work to promote creativity among older adults.

Vintage Voices The New Senior Moment
by Gene Cohen, MD, PhD
in Aging Well Magazine
In the Winter 2008 issue of Aging Well, Gene Cohen illuminates the common mis-informed concept of a "senior moment" -- what in most of the 20th century explained away momentary lapses in memory. But, we now know that we have the capacity to continue new brain cells right until the end of life. Instead, aging might bring with it a new psychological development in older age, where we can feel liberated and more creative. It's as if an inner voice begins to say "If not now, when? Why not?," Cohen explains.