What age do you have to be to start creating amazing works of art? At what age do you stop producing truly inspiring pieces? Encouraging older adults to take up the arts and express themselves is a natural fit for Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America’s focus on individual well-being. Studies show that seniors active in the arts report better health, have more positive attitudes and are more active. In 1981, PMMA featured resident art in the first Art is Ageless® calendar. The program was born out of PMMA’s desire to reaffirm “the agelessness of human creativity” and to actively demonstrate that “when it comes to human worth, it is the mind and spirit – not age – that counts.” The sentiments were expressed by former PMMA president, Rev. Wentz in the inaugural calendar. An important aspect of Art is Ageless is the variety of artistic classes and programs offered at PMMA communities. Many communities bring in local professional artists to work with residents. Other classes are started by residents and employees. In one community, residents formed a dramatic troupe. In another, a social worker started a harmonica group. Book and writing clubs abound, as do cooking groups. PMMA communities embrace the attitude that art is whatever an individual wants to pursue, whenever he or she wants to start to create. In recognizing and honoring the many talented residents of Presbyterian Manors, the Art is Ageless program sustains the vision and the philosophy of supporting residents in the way you want to live. Residents and friends of Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America’s Art is Ageless program are proving that art, in any form, is an ageless ambition, whether you picked up a brush for the first time before reaching 20 or completed your first drawing after turning 80.
