At 16, you get your driver’s license. At 18, you are an “adult.” At 21, you can drink. And then what are you supposed to look forward to when it comes to age-determined milestones? Surely not that, at 45, you’re due for a colonoscopy. At least, here in Memphis, once you turn 65, you are eligible for Creative Aging’s programming, which, through partnerships with local artists, arts organizations, and senior communities, offers affordable arts classes and special performances and events just for seniors.
“There’s a lot of scientific evidence that active arts engagement can do amazing things to stimulate the mind and improve vitality, the sort of social-emotional outlook in older adults,” says Creative Aging director Mia Henley, who adds that older adults with an active arts engagement, when compared to those without, are less likely to be hospitalized, less likely to experience falls, and less likely to have a decline in motor skills like strength, speed, and dexterity.
With Shelby County’s population above the age of 65 predicted to grow from 135,281 in 2020 to 161,747 by 2030, programs offered by Creative Aging are becoming more and more vital to what will be 17 percent of the total population by the next decade. “Being a senior today is not what it used to be,” says Henley. “It’s a long time. It’s 65 to 105. That’s 40 years, and you’re changing, and your interests and your abilities and maybe your health and family situation continue to change during that period. … We have these wonderful assets in Memphis. And a lot of times they’re busy in the afternoon with kids, but they’re silent during the day, and that’s when seniors want to do things.” Currently, the nonprofit has more than 120 artists, all of whom are paid, teaching classes and workshops, ranging in topics from creative writing to playing the dulcimer to learning tap dance.
In addition to classes, the group sponsors performances in various senior communities and throughout Memphis. For Wednesday, June 15th, Theatre Memphis and musical director Gary Beard have put together a musical revue with performers from past and present productions singing tunes from shows performed during Theatre Memphis’ 100-year history. This show will mark the last in Creative Aging’s sixth season of the Senior Arts Series of theatrical and musical performances on the Theatre Memphis stage. The 2022-2023 season is set to begin in August with a performance by Swingtime Explosion Big Band.
For more information on upcoming events or how to volunteer and donate, visit creativeagingmidsouth.org or check out the nonprofit on Facebook (@camemphis) and Instagram (@creativeagingmidsouth).
Curtains Up! Theatre Memphis Celebrates 100 years & Beyond, Theatre Memphis, Wednesday, June 15th, 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m., $5.