Introduction and Approaches to Creative Aging: Yuma 

Join the Arizona Commission on the Arts, Arizona Western College and WACOG Area Agency on Aging to learn more about Creative Aging, an exciting national movement to advance understanding of the vital relationship between creative expression and healthy aging.

Guest artist Jorge Merced will provide an interactive exploration of the different approaches used across the continuum of care, and the brain/body research which shows that older adults who are engaged in the arts experience better overall health, enjoy a higher quality of life, and are more active in their communities. Participants will connect with other providers and artists interested in enriching the lives of older adults in their community, and will leave with concrete tools and ideas for Creative Aging in their own programs and work.

Who should attend?
Anyone interested in the vital relationship between the arts and quality of life for older adults, including aging or healthcare service organization staff, caregivers, volunteers, teaching artists, and arts organizations.

About the Guest Artist
Jorge Merced is the Associate Artistic Director of Pregones Theater, and a company member since 1987. He is a graduate of City College-CUNY, and also studied at the Alvin Ailey School and EITALC (Cuba). Awards include numerous NY ACE and HOLA distinctions for outstanding performance and direction, El Diario/La Prensa’s EL Award, and the LP21 Maestro Award, among others. Jorge is currently a board member for the National Center for Creative Aging and has been instrumental in the development of the new Creative Caregiving Initiative.

This workshop is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

Space is limited; registration will close once capacity has been reached.