Who says kids have all the fun? Using storytelling, songs and acting, seniors will share memories and bring them to life in a series of Reminiscence Workshops. These delightful, two-hour morning sessions are offered at Maadookii Seniors Centre at Cape Croker on Wednesdays and at the Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre in Southampton on Thursdays,10:30am-12:30pm. It's FREE to attend, but registration is required. Contact Sheatre at 519 534 3039 or email [email protected]
These workshops are for seniors, including those living with with dementia or Alzheimer's and their partners in care. The goals are to reduce isolation and to stay active in mind, body and spirit.
They grew out of a project Sheatre developed with seniors in partnership with the Alzheimer's Society last year. That project, The Dementia Play is a lively look at one family's journey with dementia, created by and performed by ordinary people who shared their stories. The Dementia Play has toured through Grey and Bruce, and continues until March this year..
The Dementia Play cast members felt that the playful, creative experience has real benefits that should be shared across the area, particularly with others who understand and experience memory loss. The first Reminiscence Workshops were last fall in Owen Sound, Meaford and Thornbury. The response was wonderful: "It's so much fun!" and "We think that what you are doing is fabulous."
People exchange information, learn from each other, play games together and try new things – and have fun. Music is a wonderful way to tap into memories, and singing gets you breathing and lifts your spirits. Singing and creative movement offer excellent low impact physical activity. These also help your brain: research shows that singing together boosts cognitive abilities of people living with moderate to severe dementia. For partners in care it's a great way to do something creative for yourself and recharge.
Join us – you will meet friendly people and energize your day!
All seniors are welcome and it's free to attend. To save your space, please call Sheatre at 519 534-3039 or email [email protected]
WHEN and WHERE:
At Cape Croker at Maadookii Seniors Centre on Wednesdays, 10:30am-12:30pm, January 11 – March 1.
125 Maadookii Crescent, Neyaahsiinginmiing
In Southampton at the Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre on Thursdays, , 10:30am-12:30pm, January 12 – March 2.
33 Victoria Street, N., Southampton
Tea and coffee will be served.
Sheatre believes in the power of theatre and the arts to contribute to a healthy, compassionate society. The workshops will be led by Joan Chandler (theatre and storytelling), Lauren Best (music and arts), Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm (writing) and david sereda (music). Sheatre's Reminiscence Mornings for Seniors are funded by the Government of Ontario's Seniors Community Grant, with the support of the Alzheimer Society of Grey-Bruce and the Ontario Arts Council.
source: media release, Sheatre
