Art for the Young at Heart": Fostering Creative Spirit in Seniors

When Kathleen Growney-Lorenzo and Terese Manfredi-Hill embarked on a mission to fuse their passions for recreation therapy and art. The result was "Art for the Young at Heart," a program that has flourished and garnered acclaim in countless facilities across the Rochester area. From senior living communities to nursing homes and hospitals, this initiative is dedicated to delivering the profound benefits of painting to older adults, regardless of their level of expertise or cognitive abilities.

With the program's resounding success came the realization that additional helping hands were required. One standout addition to the team was Kathie Rumley, a dedicated middle school art teacher with 33 years of experience. Kathie poignantly reflects, "I think what art gives you is an open-ended solution to a problem. It's beneficial for confronting challenges, nurturing social bonds, honing decision-making skills, and reliving past experiences." At St. John's communities, the program has now entered its fifth year, steadily increasing in popularity and impact.

For residents at St. John's Home, the program's emphasis on one-on-one interactions and small group settings elevates the experience to a new level of significance. Currently offered on two different neighborhoods, each month introduces a fresh theme. Residents have the opportunity to explore diverse images, accompanied by a sketch of the chosen image as a starting point for their artistic journey. Typically, two teachers are present to facilitate and guide each resident's unique creative exploration.

Kathleen underscores the significance of fostering independence among individuals in long-term care, emphasizing how the program grants residents a sense of autonomy and diverts their attention from their immediate surroundings. This perspective finds resonance with therapeutic recreation specialist, Alicia Montalvo, who highlights the role of teachers in enabling residents to express themselves and explore their creativity. With a guiding hand, residents transform into creators of masterpieces, a process that profoundly uplifts their spirits.

At St. John's Meadows, the program has also garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback. Resident Karyl Friedman, a program participant from the very beginning, enthusiastically shares, "We work with at least 100 different kinds of brushes, and each brush offers a unique experience. We have fun, create, establish new friendships, and passionately engage in our craft." The program not only facilitates enjoyable creative sessions among residents but also yields extraordinary final art pieces. In fact, an art exhibit showcasing these exceptional creations will be on display in the St. John's Meadows Market Café, inviting all to witness the artistic prowess of these seniors.

Looking ahead, Kathleen and her team remain committed to exploring ways to cater to the evolving needs and desires of those they serve. Kathleen passionately shares, "If you can establish a connection with them, there's nothing quite like it. There are no words to describe the profound emotions they experience when you connect with them." Kathie echoes this sentiment, concluding, "You come to realize that someone genuinely derived something meaningful from the experience.