This symposium reframes research findings at the intersection of creativity, health and aging into a contemporary context supporting generativity across generations as well as individual health benefits. The first paper will reintroduce the research studies on creativity enhancing human potential in the second half of life produced by Gene Cohen, who defined The Creative Age as a major benefit of living longer lives with meaning and purpose. This paper will relate creativity and aging in terms of building strength within families, caregivers and the community at large. The second paper will describe the role of older artists in changing ordinary perceptions of aging to give insight and inspiration in order to approach the reality of the strains and joys of living longer lives while maintaining and increasing one’s value to society. Through the eyes of noted visual artists, this paper will compare and contrast portraits of aging to illuminate intergenerational moments of reawaken identity, sense of self and dignity. The final paper will be an evaluation study showing the reintegration of older people with dementia into supportive social networks through participation in the arts activities. This paper will demonstrate that people with dementia engaged in creative community activities provides individual health benefits as well as upholding the civil rights of all citizens to be consistently part of society without restrictions. In summary, this symposium identifies assets that older people involved in creative activities bring to the greater health of not only themselves but their families, friends and human condition.
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