Essays examining the power of traditional arts and folklore in the lives of the elderly in the United States. Can traditional arts improve an older adult’s quality of life? Are arts interventions more effective when they align with an elder’s cultural identity? In The Expressive Lives of Elders, Jon Kay and contributors from a diverse range of public institutions argue that such mediations work best when they are culturally, socially, and personally relevant to the participants. From quilting and canning to weaving and woodworking, this book explores the role of traditional arts and folklore in the lives of older adults in the United States, highlighting the critical importance of ethnographic studies of creative aging for both understanding the expressive lives of elders and for designing effective arts therapies and programs. Each case study in this volume demonstrates how folklore and traditional practices help elders maintain their health and wellness, providing a road map for initiatives to improve the lives and well-being of America’s aging population.

This engaging and practical book shows how older people who are disoriented or depressed or socially excluded by the process of ageing can experience a renewed sense of connectedness and life-affirmation through the expressive arts and arts therapies.The contributors combine a thought-provoking analysis of theoretical considerations around the themes of aging, society and dementia with practical applications in a diverse range of creative arts including drama, music, art, dance and creative writing. They also include descriptions of innovative inter-generational and cross-cultural projects.Professionals working with older people in a range of settings including residential homes, community centres and psychiatric care will find this book to be an indispensable guide to their practice.Review of the first edition;This book is comprehensive and program-oriented and will be of immeasurable help to professionals in the field of ageing. It is a lucid guide of successful and creative artistic programs which points the way to new dimensions in the field.'- Jacqueline T. Sunderland, former president of the National Center on Arts and Ageing

A classic book on the use of expressive therapies with uncommunicative elders and the disabled. This poignant guide explores group and individual therapeutic activities that promote creativity, self-expression, communication, and understanding of one’s life. An experienced art therapist relates his insights into the psychosocial dynamics of elders and the disabled and shares his awareness of the sensitivity and understanding required to reach the “unreachable.” Health care workers will find this illustrated volume rich in therapeutic techniques and processes applicable to the care and growth of psychologically and physically disabled or minimally handicapped adults and elders.

Elders 85 years and older are the fastest growing segment of the population in the U.S. and in many other countries. Aging Our Way examines how the very old navigate the challenges of loneliness, disability, and loss, while staying healthy, connected, and comfortable.

Art Therapy and Creative Aging offers an integrated perspective on engaging with older people through the arts. Drawing from the author’s clinical, research and teaching experiences, the book explores how arts engagement can intertwine with and support healthy aging. This book combines analysis of current development theory, existing research on creative programs with elders, and case examples of therapeutic experience to critically examine ageism and demonstrate how art therapy and creative aging approaches can harness our knowledge of the cognitive and emotional development of older adults. Chapters cover consideration of generational, cultural, and historical factors; the creative, cognitive and emotional developmental components of aging; arts and art therapy techniques and methods with older adults with differing needs; and examples of best practices. Creative arts therapists, creative aging professionals, and students who seek foundational concepts and ideas for arts practice with older people will find this book instrumental in developing effective ways of using the arts to promote health and well-being and inspire engagement with this often-underserved population.

Aging Wisely... Wisdom of our Elders is a unique resource that reflects the ideas, opinions and experiences of a diverse group of senior citizens. Each story provides a unique perspective on the physical, emotional, and social aspects of growing old from those who have made the journey.

A practical guide to bridging the generation gap. In How to Say It to Seniors, geriatric psychology expert David Solie offers help in removing the typical communication blocks many experience with the elderly. By sharing his insights into the later stages of life, Solie helps in understanding the unique perspective of seniors, and provides the tools to relate to them.