Creative Aging is a national initiative based on studies showing that older adults live longer, better lives if they are actively involved in the arts. The movement is aimed at fostering an understanding of the vital relationship between creative expression and quality of life for older adults.
Jewish Family & Children’s Service is offering a pilot program of Creative Aging classes from January through May 2017. Participatory arts classes for baby boomers and seniors will be held in three six-week sessions at four different locations around the Valley. The program includes such arts disciplines as vocal music, dance, creative writing and Readers’ Theatre.
“JFCS is dedicated to helping ensure the highest quality of life for people at any age,” says JFCS Vice President of Older Adults and Jewish Community Services Ellie Schwartzberg. “We’re looking forward to embarking on this new line of services for older adults.”
“According to the U.S. Census Bureau, one in four people in Arizona will be over age 60 by the year 2020,” says Janet Arnold, director of the Creative Aging program. “We need to find innovative ways to keep our older adults actively engaged. Creative Aging is based on an ‘assets approach’ to aging, emphasizing what ‘can’ be done rather than what limitations there might be.”
At the East Valley Jewish Community Center, 908 N. Alma School Road in Chandler, there will be a free kickoff event at 10 am on Monday, Dec. 12 featuring the reading of a one-act play by East Valley playwright and author Amy Dominy. “We thought it would be great fun to show off how Readers’ Theatre actually works and at the same time showcase a local creative writer,” says Janet. Classes in creative writing will begin on Monday, Jan. 9 at the EVJCC and will be taught by Kim Porter, an award-winning playwright and performer recently named “Best Storyteller” by the Phoenix New Times. Kim says, “I’ve always wanted to run a workshop for seniors,” says Kim. “I have a real passion for the organization of personal narrative and the transformation that comes from seeing the events in our lives through the filter of story.”
Dance instruction will be led by the professional teachers from Dance Fusion on Wednesdays at the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, 12701 N. Scottsdale Rd. in Scottsdale. “Dance is a social art promoting health and well-being with physical, mental, emotional and social benefits,” says Linda Simon, co-owner of Dance Fusion. Dance styles include ballroom, country line, musical theater and Israeli folk. Classes begin on Jan. 11.
Readers’ Theatre will be taught by Janet Arnold, the founding producing director of the Arizona Jewish Theatre Company, on Thursdays at Congregation Beth Israel at 10460 N. 56th St. in Scottsdale. For over 30 years, Janet has been active in the theater community as a producer, director, actor and teacher. She believes that nearly everyone can remember plays in which they performed when they were young. “Readers’ Theatre is great fun,” she says, adding that any age or background is welcome – “and there’s no memorization!” Classes begin Jan. 12.
On Fridays, Dan Kurek will teach vocal music at the Cutler-Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center at 122 E. Culver St. in downtown Phoenix. Dan has been musical director for a number of theaters in the Valley, as well as choir director for Temple Chai for the past seven years. He is also involved in “Songs by Heart,” a new program that brings music into the lives of those living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia and also volunteers at Circle the City working with the homeless. “Dan is a perfect match for all we hope to accomplish with our Creative Aging classes,” says Janet.
Funding for the classes has been generously donated by Barbara and Barry Zemel, with assistance from a Creative Aging pilot grant from the Arizona Commission on the Arts. All venues are contributing partners. To find out more about the Creative Aging initiative, visit creativeaging.org.
Classes run from 10 am to noon and are open to adults age 60 and older. Registration is $60 for one six-week session. Contact Janet at [email protected] or call 480-599-7198.
