The Arts Council of Fairfax County’s monthlong festival helps participants transition to the next phase of their lives with a plethora of engaging arts programs.
By Koo Hwangbo
For those approaching their later years, finding creative and engaging activities can become more difficult. That’s why the organizers of the Creative Aging Festival aim to increase awareness about the artistic opportunities that are available to older adults in Fairfax County.
The Arts Council of Fairfax County schedules the festival in May to celebrate Older Americans Month. The monthlong series of events provides participants with an array of artistic outlets. This year, 50 events across 14 area senior centers will cover everything from painting and yoga to storytelling, dance and music. Some popular classes are an improv class with Jaclyn Young from NextStop Theatre Company and African drumming with Fairfax County artist and educator Kofi Dennis.
“Research demonstrates that older adult participation in arts programs can positively impact general health, mental health, social bonds, overall functioning, sense of well-being and quality of life,” says Henrik Sundqvist, director of communications and programs for the Arts Council of Fairfax County.
The arts can increase quality of life for the 50-plus population in numerous ways. Research conducted by Americans for the Arts shows that creative arts can have a positive impact when integrated into medical treatment, including reduced lengths of hospital stays, increased self-esteem, reductions in stress and reduced levels of depression.
Increasing the quality of life for senior citizens grows more important in anticipation of the community’s future.
“Fairfax County projects a dramatic increase in its older population.” Sundqvist says. “Research has shown that the population of Fairfax County residents age 50 and older will grow significantly from 20,000 to 170,000 residents by 2030.”
Plans to prepare for this significant increase in the older population are already underway.
“The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors adopted The Fairfax County 50+ Community Action Plan in Sept. 23, 2014, to increase quality of life for senior citizens,” Sundqvist says. “The arts have been identified as a key component of that plan.”
The Creative Aging Festival has been a rewarding experience for not only the participants but also for the organizers.
“It brings me great joy to see older adults having fun at something they may not have ever had the opportunity to do,” Julie Ellis, director of Hollin Hall Senior Center for Creative Retirement, says. “We enjoy working with our participants to provide activities and programs for the wide variety of interests that are out there.”
The Creative Aging Festival runs through Friday, May 27. Visit Hollin Hall Senior Center’s website for more information.
