You are on page 1of 2

Theatre Participation and Older Adults

Assata Haki: Ted Talk Style Final Draft

This is my grandmother, (Photo) Elizabeth Hurd, who started showing signs of Dementia in
2012, and it was confirmed in 2015. Her children were not educated on how to care for an older
adult suffering from Dementia and had also refused to become educated in dealing with her
disease and they also had refused suggested day programs for older adults in her condition.
Unfortunately, my grandmother didnt receive the opportunity to become involved in arts and
social activities that studies have revealed impacts on emotional, physical, and cognitive
wellness in older adults. (Insert slide with study facts) Studies also show that drama and
theatre, storytelling as the focus, helps prevent Alzheimer, slow the progress of early on-set
diagnosis, and or improve cognitive impairments due to dementia. (Dont Read) Theatre and
drama can strengthen the temporal lobe functioning, and potentially reverse or stabilize the
effects of cognitive decline and brain disease. (Munger, D 2007 and Liverpool University 2006).

(Slide of TTA) As a Theatre Teaching Artist, I learned that the arts are very impactful on human
development. (Slide of Hannan Theatre Students Photos), Working with older adults I also
observed that when they participate in theatre approaches and techniques can improve cognitive
functions, emotional health, increase social wellness and enhance personal enrichment. (Slide of
Hannan Theatre Students Photos)

For instance:

Engaging in theatre games are ways to exercise cognition, physical mobility, enhances
memory recall, mental focus, and sharpness.
Brainstorming techniques guides participants into self- exploration and self-discovery
and stimulates cognitive activity that promotes critical thinking.
Improvisation activities engages the mind and the body to think spontaneously and
move by instinct, enhancing awareness. (Slide of Hannan Theatre Students Photos)
Breathing exercises and warm-ups add serenity and tranquility to the brain, promoting
focus going into the creative and learning process that are practiced in daily living.
Performance presentations boost self-confidence and increases self-esteem.

(Slide on art impact facts): Previous research on aging and the arts have also reported
healthcare workers use the arts in treating their elderly community. Research also shows that
joining a community center for the aging and engaging in the arts can also eliminate older adults
from isolating themselves from the outside world. My older adult students have testified that
coming to theatre class gives them something to look forward to each week. Through student
reflections, I can testify that the arts can improve their health, add activities and fun to their lives,
while preventing long-term care later in the aging process.

I hope that my presentation has been informational for some and beneficial to many, and that I
have successfully stressed the positive impact of theatre arts. If you are interested in finding an
arts program in your community. (Information Slide) Hannan Center for Long Life Learning
and Senior Care is an awesome place to start your inquiry. As I close, I ask that you please pass
this information to someone who you know will benefit from the arts.

Thank you

Fact for families, healthcare providers, neighbors and friends of older adults: (On Slide)

Noice and colleagues (2004): Theatre group showed increase in word recall, problem
solving, and psychological well-being in older adults.
Noice and Noice (2009): Improvements I recall (immediate and delayed), verbal fluency,
problem solving, personal growth in older adults.
Singing improves mental health and subjective wellbeing (quality of life)
Dance classes bolsters cognition and motor skills
Playing musical instruments has myriad positive effects
Visual arts practice generates increases in social engagement, psychological health and
self-esteem

You might also like