Written by Petra Nyendick
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many older Canadians have been socially isolated, with little to no access to programming that fulfils their creative needs.
We are proud to announce that Neilson Park Creative Centre has received funding from the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program. The funds will be used to develop and deliver a series of Zoom-based digital programs designed with and for seniors – including classes, workshops, drop-ins and open studios, building on NPCC’s highly successful summer 2020 online pilot project funded by New Horizons.
The programs will be held during our fall, 2022 and winter, 2023 seasons, providing continuous free online arts programming targeted to seniors, 60+ in our region and beyond and during those seasons when seniors have the most difficulty venturing out-of-doors. Offering online sessions also enables seniors that live in remote areas access to digital arts experiences, reinforcing their capacity and confidence to remain in their homes longer, safely.
The positive impact of arts-based programming on communities is well recognized including facilitation of social cohesion, a sense of community, belonging and pride and a link between the collective memory of past and present.
These creative activities engage the mind, keep it sharp, call on all parts of the brain (frontal, parietal, occipital and temporal lobes), reduce mild cognitive impairment, and alleviate the symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression – and are engaging and fun.
The Program is a federal grant and contributions program whose goal is to support projects that help improve the well-being of seniors and foster social inclusion and engagement in their communities.
Related Documents
Associated Links
New Horizons for Seniors Program – Engaging seniors, strengthening communities
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