Anyone who’s heard a moving piece of music, seen a spectacular theatrical performance or taken in a breathtaking display of artwork understands that culture and the arts are intrinsically valuable to all of us. They enrich our lives in so many ways, allowing us to experience new things, connect us to each other and provide us with the means to express ourselves in different ways.
“Over the past 40 years, Whitney Center has seen how the arts help individuals of all ages thrive, express, connect and experience,” says Michael Rambarose, President and CEO of Whitney Center, a Life Care Community in Hamden, CT. “Our connections to the humanities, arts and education are an integral part of our community’s culture, and we strive to provide opportunities for residents to engage in, create and enjoy the arts in whatever way they want.”
Perhaps the most obvious example of art and culture takes place at the Cultural Arts Center at Whitney Center, which hosts performances and lectures throughout the year. The Center also houses Perspectives: The Gallery, an art gallery that is open to the public three days a week. The gallery, which was completed in 2011, features two defined sections that boast exhibits of original artwork from Whitney Center residents as well as exhibitions curated by the Arts Council of Greater New Haven.
“We are proud to be recognized as a center for the arts and humanities in Hamden, and pleased that we’re able to provide artistic inspiration both on and off campus for our residents and for the community at large,” says Michael.
The Arts & Aging
The art realm, specifically as it relates to aging, has grown quite a bit over the past 10 years thanks to dedicated efforts from nonprofits and foundations. These efforts have focused on three specific aspects:
- Integrating the arts into health care settings
- Providing opportunities to participate in the arts or skill-build, no matter how young or old a person is
- Creating communities that use design and art to develop accessible, engaging spaces for people of all ages and abilities
This focus on aging and the arts is still fairly new. Although there have been many studies done on the therapeutic benefits of art and music in a health care setting, there has been less actual research on the effect of arts and culture in general for seniors. There has been anecdotal research that shows how participants in the art experience lower rates of depression and loneliness, have a greater sense of self-worth and are more dextrous, both physically and mentally. In order to fully embrace the importance of these fields when it comes to aging, more research will need to be done to see what global effects they have.
“As people are living longer and experiencing longer retirements, this generation of senior Americans have unique opportunities,” says Michael. “Not only do individuals get the opportunity to try their hand at new arts in their golden years, but professionals in the arts – musicians, singers, actors – can continue to refine, hone and expand their craft as they age, bringing knowledge and value to the community at large. At Whitney Center, we say that your life is a work of art, and we strive to make that come true in every way possible.”
If you’d like to learn more about Whitney Center and how our retirement community can help make your life a work of art, contact us today. We look forward to discussing how you can begin enjoying the benefits of our Life Care Community.
Discover Excellence in Senior Living.
At Whitney Center, you’ll find a distinguished senior living community where residents do what they love. Located in Hamden, Connecticut, Whitney Center combines all the cultural, educational and historical charms of the Greater New Haven area with the intricate details of daily life for active seniors. Whitney Center is a Life Care community, offering not just an unparalleled Independent living lifestyle, but a full continuum of care services as well, including Assisted living, Rehabilitation, Skilled nursing care and Memory care. Whitney Center even offers a home-based long-term care program, Thrive at Home, which connects seniors to the services they need to live well in their own home.
Choice. Freedom. Opportunity.
We believe that remaining engaged and striving for excellence builds a more meaningful life. That’s why residents experience a host of services and amenities, events and cultural opportunities and wellness programs designed to foster endless growth and personalized living. Backed by our first-rate hospitality and philosophy of continuous improvement, our residents are free to travel, learn, volunteer, set new goals and create the life they want to live.
Come Here to Thrive.
At Whitney Center, residents live in the midst of cultural arts and education and dignified connections to the greater community. Seniors thrive in pursuit of what brings them joy, with unlimited opportunities to create and contribute. And, with the confidence in quality care services available on site if health needs ever change, Whitney Center makes it possible for seniors to continue enjoying the freedom to embrace life at its fullest.
Contact Whitney Center today to learn more about our Life Care community!
