Every stage of life has its unique perspectives, opportunities and potential. And in every stage art may contribute to a sense of meaning, may be a source of joy and happiness. So I have my doubts about ‘special’ art programs for the elderly. It is however an open question if creativity changes throughout different stages of life. Certainly, active art practices will contribute to health and well-being, to self-esteem and a sense of identity. Good reasons to fight any form of discrimination against the elderly in society, or in the field of arts specifically.
BLOG51: In Western countries, the elderly are at times portrayed as people, to be ignored, or to be considered as a burden to society. Or as people who are ‘inactive’, so people who need to be ‘mobilised’ to participate in society, or in arts specifically. Plans and projects with that end are made by all sorts of welfare organizations fór older people, and not necessarily bý them. I certainly disagree with such ‘framing’. Many senior people are very active in their families and/or in the community. And, many are involved in forms of art, in different ways, passively or actively. Besides, many artists, well-known or less-known, have remained creative and productive at high age. Matisse, for instance, although he had to stop painting due to health problems, continued using a pair of scissors making his beautiful coloured cut-outs.
Every stage of life has its unique perspectives, opportunities and potential. And in every stage art may contribute to a sense of meaning, may be a source of joy and happiness. So I have my doubts about ‘special’ art programs for the elderly. It is however an open question if creativity changes throughout different stages of life. Certainly, active art practices will contribute to health and well-being, to self-esteem and a sense of identity. Good reasons to fight any form of discrimination against the elderly in society, or in the field of arts specifically.
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