Strategies for Creative Aging
Approaching Retirement as a Transition
While not everyone will retire at age 65, that age is commonly associated with retirement. We usually think of it as an end to someone’s career or professional life. What if instead of promoting retirement at age 65, we instead promote a transition into more creative endeavors? This thinking forms the foundation of “Creative Aging,” the practice of engaging older adults in participatory programs with a focus on social engagement and skills mastery.
There are numerous studies on aging and cognition that suggest that individuals who are highly creative have a broader state of attention and an enhanced quality of life. Current seniors want to live longer, but they also want more out of that time—they want those years to be meaningful.
At McGregor PACE, our seniors are fortunate to reside in an “Age-Friendly City,” a designation given to Cleveland in 2014 by the World Health Organization. Cleveland joined the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities in September 2015.
As care providers for Cleveland seniors, how do we carry this designation into our senior living communities and centers? To start, we can put an emphasis on “Creative Aging” activities, including the following:
- Promote art, music, writing, and other cultural activities.
- Provide alternatives for seniors who miss the camaraderie and challenges of competitive sports but cannot physically keep up with the sports they enjoyed in their younger days. Popular low-impact sports include bocce ball, shuffleboard, and pickleball.
- Focus on providing activities that contribute to seniors’ physical and mental health.
At McGregor PACE, we are committed to enhancing the quality of life for our participants by stimulating their minds and creative spirits. If you would like to learn more about our services and programs, or if you are ready to enroll, please contact our team.