Music and Creative Arts Add to Healthy Lifestyle of Older Adults

DEARBORN, MI--(Marketwired - May 21, 2014) - Recent studies and books reveal the many healing and social benefits that music and art bring to all ages, especially older adults. In the book, "Bringing the Arts to Life," funded by the Hulda B. and Maurice L. Rothschild Foundation, author Judy Rollins offers a guide to the arts and long term care. 

Rollins referenced various studies that indicate older adults who participate in music, visual arts or multi-disciplinary groups show improvement to physical, social and emotional well-being.

"We've witnessed this among our residents as well," said Mary Granata, a social worker and director of sales at Oakwood Common. "We encourage people to participate in the wealth of music and creative arts available on our campus and in the local community."

This year, residents have the opportunity to attend five performances by Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) musicians who come to the campus to offer their insights and musical talents. The performances are made possible through Oakwood's Arts for the Spirit program in partnership with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

"It's a very interactive program where individual or small groups of musicians perform and talk candidly about their musical backgrounds, and then invite questions from the audience," said Granata. "The residents love it, and the musicians seem to receive just as much pleasure as their audiences -- if not more so."

In June, Oakwood Common will host a Garden Marker workshop in partnership with Pewabic Pottery and Oakwood's Arts for the Spirit program. Pewabic instructors will guide residents through the hands-on ceramic process to create their own garden markers.

 Excursions to off campus locations are also available to residents. Recently, residents from Oakwood Common have assisted living apartments ventured to the Birmingham-Bloomfield Art Center (BBAC) to view art gallery works. BBAC staff invited residents to express their opinions about the different items of art, resulting in lots of laughter and conversation. Following the art gallery viewing, residents worked with clay, adding their own touch of creativity molded into clay pieces they could take home.

 "We are very fortunate that music and art are part of the fabric of the continuing care commitment Oakwood Common offers to people who move here," added Granata. "Whenever it's possible, we also like to invite family members, friends or members of the community to join us."

About Oakwood Common
Oakwood Common offers one and two bedroom senior living apartments located at 16351 Rotunda Drive, within a beautiful 29-acre community that includes exquisite landscaping, nature trails and scenic views along the historic Rouge River Gateway in Dearborn. Oakwood Common apartments, available with flexible payment options, offer exceptional amenities for independent living and can be readily customized. Assisted living and a comprehensive rehabilitation and skilled nursing center are also available for those with additional needs. For more information and to arrange tours, call 800-642-4663 or visit www.OakwoodCommon.org.

About Oakwood Arts for the Spirit Program
The Oakwood Arts for the Spirit (AFTS) program provides an environment of healing and comfort to patients, visitors and staff through the healing power of musical performances in our hospitals and other Oakwood sites. We are proud to present Interactive art experiences created by exceptional visual artists for young people and those who are young at heart. For more information about Oakwood Arts for the Spirit Program, visit Oakwood.org/arts.