NCCA to host innovative lifelong learning arts programs in San Francisco

Ever wondered why creativity and learning are so important for the older brain? National Center for Creative Aging (NCCA) will answer this question and highlight innovative lifelong learning arts programs at the "NCCA-MetLife Foundation Creativity Matters: Lifelong Learning Through the Arts" symposium.

The one-day event will be held in San Francisco, California on Tuesday, June 15 from 9am – 4pm at the Community School of Music and Arts Finn Center, and will focus on the benefits of utilizing arts programs throughout the later years of life, as well as how to develop lifelong learning programs in various art mediums, including storytelling, theater, and music.

The symposium will begin with a presentation by Michael Patterson, co-founder of MindRAMP and Associates, LLC on how creativity can strengthen the mature mind. After that, Susan Perlstein, Founder of Elders Share the Arts, will present A Stage for Memory, a guide to the Living Theater History Program of Elders Share the Arts.  There will also be a performance by actors from Stagebridge Senior Theater who will present scenes from their touring variety show, "It's Never Too Late." The show reminds audiences it's never too late to laugh, create and have fun.  

Following that, a panel presentation on three groundbreaking best-practice programs that bring lifelong learning opportunities to adults will feature Stuart Kandell, Founder and Director of Stagebridge Senior Theater, the oldest senior theater in the country, Judith-Kate Friedman, Founder and Director of Songwriting Works and John Fitzgerald, Manager of Recreational Music Activities at Remo Inc who will facilitate a hands-on session and discussion about the use of drum circles as a fun, accessible and creative activity for older adults.

"These ground-breaking arts programs encourage older adults to engage in creative learning activities which provide participants with a sense of mastery as well as a social engagement opportunities to their daily lives," said Dr. Gay Hanna, Executive Director, NCCA.    

The symposium is the second in a three-part series addressing creative aging through lifelong learning, health and wellness, and civic engagement. The first conference was in Washington, DC with the final conference to be held in Miami, FL. The symposia series is targeted toward older adults and related professionals in the fields of aging, education, healthcare, faith-based services, museum education, caregiving, social services, and the arts. 

Scholarships and continuing education credits are available. For more information on registration, programming or membership, please contact the NCCA office at [email protected] or (202) 895-9456.