December 17, 2024
We’ve all heard that exercising helps the body as we age. But did you know that working out your creative side can help you flourish?
Research on aging shows that participating in cultural arts, including singing groups, theater, visual arts, and dance, may improve the health and well-being of older adults.
“Participating in cultural arts activities has a TON of benefits that promote physical, mental, emotional, and social wellness for people as we age,” said Laney Haupert, Cultural Arts Manager. “Dance classes or rehearsals for one of our community theatre productions involve movement and physicality that will promote flexibility, balance, strength, stamina, and cardiovascular health. Rehearsing for a play or musical, practicing choral harmonies, or memorizing dance routines stimulates the brain and reduces the risk of cognitive decline or memory loss. The arts, at large, provide an outlet for self-expression, creativity, and stress relief. Those involved in the arts often notice an improved mood, reduced feelings of depression or isolation, and strengthened interpersonal relationships.”
Palatine Park District offers an abundance of avenues to try a cultural arts program.“There are so many opportunities for adults to be involved with the arts,” Haupert said. “Our community theatre productions are a great way to try performing in front of a group in an encouraging environment that focuses on personal improvement, teamwork, and fun. We offer adult dance classes (ballroom, tap, and modern) for both beginners and those seeking more of a challenge. Allegro Community Chorus and Palatine Concert Band hold rehearsals and performances throughout the year. And yes, EVERYONE can sing! We also have several options for those looking to try their hand at visual arts, including sewing, painting, and card making.”
Hitting the Right Notes
Kevin Kelly is the Artistic Director of Palatine Park District’s Allegro Community Chorus. The group welcomes experienced singers, as well as those with limited choral experience. No audition is necessary to join the chorus. Kelly sees participants gaining a variety of benefits from involvement. “They certainly gain camaraderie, which can be a great benefit when one is older and perhaps alone or at least retired and seeing people outside the home less frequently,” he said. “For some who have little or no singing experience, it can also have the benefit of learning a new skill, which can activate parts of the brain that may need stimulation—whether you’re older or younger. Then there’s the sheer fun of singing some of your favorite songs with a bunch of like-minded people, as well as learning new ones.” Kelly’s chorus ranges in age from the mid-twenties to 80+. And if you can’t follow as quickly as you’d like or are concerned about making mistakes, no need. “In this chorus, you’ve got lots of people in the same boat,” he said. I’ve had singers – older and younger – come to a rehearsal or two and feel intimidated by the high quality of some of the singing. Making mistakes comes naturally to people of all skill levels, so you might as well not be shy about it. After all, that’s why we have many weeks of rehearsal—to practice until we have a performance-ready show—and we also provide learning tools that help them practice on their own.”
Dance the Night Away
Kris Beaudette is currently participating in adult tap at Palatine Park District. “We have a wide range of ages in tap class,” Beaudette said. “I got interested in tap dance in recent years, probably since I retired. Over the summer, I began class in Palatine and continued into the fall.” And what does Beaudette think the benefits of involvement in the arts are? “The arts have great benefits in the aging process,” she said. “Dance has great benefits for all ages. I did not join tap specifically to combat aging. I joined tap because I have wanted to take it but never had the opportunity. I thought that if I didn’t take it now, when would I? There’s no time like the present to try something that interests you. I never had a dance class as a child so learning tap dance steps, technique, and choreography has been fun and very good for me. This class has been very good for my coordination and for my balance. I don’t think any other type of dance works you in quite the same way as tap dancing. Also, I enjoy the teacher and the other students.”
Palatine Township Senior Center finds cultural arts programming a popular offering. “We have monthly luncheons and include some kind of entertainment most months,” Kate Johnson, Development Associate said. “Occasionally we will have Irish dancers or singers come in for St. Patrick’s Day. We have a Latino social group and on occasion have had Spanish dancers come. Cultural arts programs are offered through our Day and Overnight trips. Our participants really enjoy the theater as well as museums that are offered through our trip programs. We are lucky in this area to have so many theaters that put on excellent productions.”
Focus on the Fun
The arts provide an outlet for self-expression, creativity, and stress relief. Joining a choir, theatre production, visual art or dance class means being part of a group and fosters a sense of community. But one may be a little hesitant to try something new or return to something they did as a young adult.
“My advice to anyone who is hesitant to try something new is to focus on the fun- the goal of recreation and creativity is not perfection, but enjoyment,” said Haupert. “Focus on the process of learning this new skill and remember what about this new hobby excited you in the first place! Be sure to ask questions- our amazing team of instructors and staff are here to support and guide you. Above all, take the time to celebrate your progress. Learning a new skill can be hard, but it’s good to remember that every celebrated artist throughout all of history started somewhere. I strongly believe there is an artist in all of us, and it’s never too late to simply begin.”
