The arts and the arts community provide an enormous amount of potential for all of us to expand the range of intergenerational programs that provide increased opportunities for seniors’ participation. Intergenerational activity with a focus on the arts is a powerful tool for social change in our communities.
Furthermore they identified that ‘perceptions of older people have a significant impact on their capacity to participate in society’. What we also know from the parliamentary inquiry is that intergenerational activity can assist with challenging and breaking down negative stereotypes about the capabilities of seniors. The parliamentary inquiry into ‘Opportunities for Participation of Victorian Seniors’ identified intergenerational activities as one key area for us to focus on as we build a more age-friendly community. Evidence shows that arts programs in health settings reduce the time spent recuperating in hospital, reduce reliance on medications and foster self-esteem and a sense of achievement. More broadly, participation in the arts can maintain a person’s health and wellbeing, or supplement the supports given to those people living with chronic health conditions, such as dementia or Parkinson’s disease. Arts practice provides another experience for people to age well in their communities.Īrts practice and good health go together – ‘arts as therapy’ is a therapeutic model that seeks improvements in health outcomes for people, similar to the way physical rehabilitation works. For many Victorians getting out into the community and experiencing art in its many different forms provides personal enjoyment, enables a sense of connectedness and enhances the experience of community life. There is no doubt that participation in the plethora of life’s activities is a key part of healthy and active ageing.
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