This month at Juniper Village we continue our Creative Expressions Series with a focus on Art.
Creating art for many of our seniors has been a lifelong
passion, for others it may have been a casual hobby or serious vocation.
Whatever the reason, art has substantial benefits to our bodies, minds and
spirits! In Successful Aging, John W. Rowe, MD, and Robert L. Kahn, PhD,
discuss key aspects of successful aging: low risk of disease, high mental and
physical functioning, and being actively engaged in life. Expressive art
activities promote active engagement in life in positive, healthy, and
fulfilling ways - in other words, nurturing the spirit of life. Recent studies
further indicate that older adults who participate in art programs have fewer
doctor visits, use less medication, and experience a lower rate of depression –
all resulting in lower healthcare costs.
Our fabulous activity offerings
this month include our Alive In All Seasons Friends and Family Dinner
Sweetheart Night for a celebration of love as all “sweethearts” are welcome to
join residents and the Juniper family for a candlelit dinner, with
entertainment by Carol Meyers playing the tranquil sounds of the dulcimer on
February 12th at 4:30 pm (RSVP by February 2nd to
814-333-4400); our Wine Making Tutorial Part 1 for a demonstration and hands-on
creation of wine with community residents on February 19th at 3:00
pm; our Lunch and Learn on Embracing Change/Living with Passion featuring
Chaplain Dennis Chludzinski from Lakeland Area Hospice, as he speaks of how
change can be daunting, but looking at it through a different light can help
you welcome new things into your world and increase your passion for living on
February 20th at noon (RSVP by February 18th to
814-333-4400); our Public Art Show Awaken Your Passion as all are encouraged to
enter a piece or participate in the voting for prizes awarded to the top
“People’s Choice” in each age group so visit the display during the week or the
reception on February 27th from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm; or our Insight
to Navajo Art Walk the Beauty Way a free, hands-on cultural workshop with Tami
Hritzay about Navajo history where you can make your own creation on February
28th from 9:30 am to noon (RSVP by February 25th to
814-333-4400).
Look through our calendar and plan
to join us this month and “Awaken Your Passion” as we explore various mediums
to expression through weekly art programs and visits to local art museums. Or,
if art isn’t your thing, tailgate with us during the Super Bowl, await the
Ground Hog’s prediction, our join in one of our festive celebrations on
Valentine’s Day, Presidents Day or Mardi Gras.
