Ageing Creatively
By 2040, nearly one in seven people is projected to be aged over 75 in the UK.
The world is facing a situation without precedent: We soon will have more older people than children and more people at extreme old age than ever before. As both the proportion of older people and the length of life increase throughout the world, key questions arise. Will population aging be accompanied by a longer period of good health, a sustained sense of well-being, and extended periods of social engagement and productivity, or will it be associated with more illness, disability, and dependency?”
Tamalpa UK has worked with older participants (65+) since our launch in 2012. One of our core beliefs is that every human being across the life span is a mover and a dancer, that dance it is not reserved for a select few of ‘elite dancers’.
Anna Halprin the founder of the Tamalpa Institute in California turned 100years of age in 2020. Anna and her life’s work is a living example and embodiment of what creative movement, artistic expression and a daily practice of listening to one’s own body can achieve, she was still teaching, dancing and presenting right up until turning 99.
Tamapa UK has worked actively to be inclusive in our public classes and our training programmes. Many of our older participants have demonstrated the following outcomes from experiencing and exploring the Tamalpa Life Art Process®
Outcomes
- Reduced social isolation and loneliness
- Higher moral
- Improved movement coordination
- Uplifting mood and ‘life force’
- Increase in quality of life
- Easing of pain in stiff joints
As an exercise for elderly people it is very gentle, and at an individual’s own pace. You don’t have to learn special techniques or aspire to a certain level. I have found waking up my body in this non-judgemental way very helpful. It allows you to relax and enjoy movement in a way that is safe and has definitely helped my balance and co-ordination. The music is great to.”
At the end of each session I always feel better in myself. I go away having experienced and focused on a variety of unexpected feelings or memories that have contributed to improving how I feel about my life. The writing and drawing I take away with me can be thought about, built on even shared. The whole combination especially when I can do weekly sessions really helps me to appreciate myself and my life going forward.”
It’s always good to have activities that enable you to be active in the company of others. I enjoy how everyone works individually and yet also shares in pairs and with the group inspiring. The activities are never invasive and yet the empathy and support for each other that is generated is very unique. This also creates an atmosphere where we can laugh and have fun.”
For upcoming classes and events
For further information about how the Tamalpa Life Art Process can support creative ageing please contact us at the Tamalpa UK office here
