A six-week arts and discussion program called Project Inspire brought older adults together from diverse social and cultural backgrounds to produce collaborative art and discuss their v
iews on ageism.
United Active Living worked closely with United Way and two of its agency partners – LINKages Society and the Calgary Chinese Elderly Citizens’ Association (CCECA) to bring the project to life.
United learning and development coordinator Nicole Moore lead the discussion with participants on ageism. She worked closely with United’s creative facilitators to link the discussion with the artwork developed as part of the program. “Through the project we wanted to raise awareness about ageism,” said creative facilitator Sage Wheeler. “From that discussion, we would build that awareness into making art together. Each community experiences ageism in different ways, so this was a great opportunity to see how other cultures have different perspectives.”
For some participants, this was the first time they had tried their hands at creating art. “One of our participants, Jenny, had not drawn in more than 50 years,” said Elly Li, assistant program coordinator with CCECA. “This project has really opened up the idea that they can draw or be a painter. Creativity isn’t limited by age. Jenny, for example, is a singer but she wasn’t sure about other creative aspects. Through the program she realized that she could create something new. She loved it!”
At the closing event, program participant Jenny Nau helped participant Gui Ying Tao express her appreciation for the program.
Susan Brooke, a community impact planner for United Way said the project came about following a donation to the United Way that would benefit older adults. Isolation and ageism – common issues for older adults – were targeted for special attention through the project. “This was an opportunity for older adults to talk about ageism. The project truly lived up to its name. It brought older adults who might not have been involved in a creative community before to experience the creative process. And the weekly discussions around ageism really raised the understanding about what older adults are feeling and thinking, so it truly was an inspiring project.”
“The highlight for me was seeing our participants boost their confidence, meet new people and learn a new art form. It was very exciting!” said Alicia Lewis, LINKages’ office administrator and program support. “This was a terrific opportunity for our seniors to become less socially isolated and combat misconceptions about aging. I was inspired by the knowledge that they aren’t held back by anything, that as I get older, I can continue to be creative.”
The participants – five from each group – connected closely with each other, with some becoming fast friends. “It’s so exciting when someone finds their creative voice,” said Sage. “Finding your voice is what we’re here for and art is an overlooked way of doing that.”
“Even though some of us don’t speak the same language, the best part was getting to know each other through gestures and laughter,” said United Active Living resident Hertha Reich. “I loved the painting and learning new styles. I don’t know what I’d do without art.”
“I’m really excited for the next session, which starts Nov. 2!” said Sage.
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Residents of the two United communities have a wide range of choices for getting out and about to enjoy the sunshine. Last weekend, residents at Fish Creek were busy planting herbs and flowers in the spacious community courtyard.
Along with the partnerships, 
Husbands and wives want to stay together, no matter the health issues they face. United communities focus on supporting the close ties that spouses have by ensuring they remain together. The two then participate in programs and activities, which support the general well-being of both.
This is your new home and it should feel that way. Your former home didn’t feel like a medical clinic, so why should your new home?
“Art is one of the most interesting things in life because it can ask simple questions and give incredibly complicated answers,” said Jeff Chan, creative facilitator at United Active Living. “It’s through that process of creativity – the thinking, the making, and the presenting that truly enable one not only to express themselves to others, but to find themselves at any stage in life. Age is irrelevant in the creative process. In the end we all are unique by the experiences we have or haven’t had, and we all offer varying perspectives on life.”
“They want you to try [creating art] yourself, and there are people that have done some incredible things just off the top of their heads without asking for help, and they’ve turned out wonderfully,” said resident Betty Earle. “If anyone comes and looks through our art room, they’ll see the variety that is produced there. We have an art show every year and we invite our relatives and friends to come to it.”
Jeff points out that artwork made by the individual as well as collaborative artworks all become an integral and defining part of the community. Whether the artwork is visual, written or performative, everyone has the capacity to create. “It’s my belief that many people have forgotten how to play in life, and that play is essential to discovery. Working in the arts, I’ve learned that play is an important part of the creative process. Play is in everyone and it just takes a little positive reinforcement and a safe environment to bring it out. By creating communities that encourage play, a community has the essential ingredient to discover greater horizons.”
Resident Hertha Reich, who has found the art-focused programs invigorating, summed up life at United very nicely when she said, “Coming to a place like this, where there’s so many options, so many things you can do. Well, it’s just awesome!”
And 90-year-old resident, Mary Fenwick, is learning piano. It’s an interest she had some 40 years ago, and has picked up again.
