Expressive Arts with Elders

Book excerpt: This engaging and practical book shows how older people who are disoriented or depressed or socially excluded by the process of ageing can experience a renewed sense of connectedness and life-affirmation through the expressive arts and arts therapies.The contributors combine a thought-provoking analysis of theoretical considerations around the themes of aging, society and dementia with practical applications in a diverse range of creative arts including drama, music, art, dance and creative writing. They also include descriptions of innovative inter-generational and cross-cultural projects.Professionals working with older people in a range of settings including residential homes, community centres and psychiatric care will find this book to be an indispensable guide to their practice.Review of the first edition;This book is comprehensive and program-oriented and will be of immeasurable help to professionals in the field of ageing. It is a lucid guide of successful and creative artistic programs which points the way to new dimensions in the field.'- Jacqueline T. Sunderland, former president of the National Center on Arts and Ageing