“Worth Repeating” is a weekly feature on the EngAGE Blog that will bring
you previous posts that we think are still timely, interesting, or just plain fun!
From 10/7/14:
If you’re a visual or performing artist of a certain age, you probably don’t need to be convinced of the importance of your art in your life. But did you know that there’s research to back up how you feel? Two studies have documented the positive influence of the arts in the lives of seniors. Yes, like all research papers they’re not exactly light reading, but a couple of basic conclusions are no surprise to creative seniors:
“We found both the ART CART (older) artists and the control group (of older artists) to be extremely high functioning, often more than the general population. We recommend caution here since the art world is very ageist and older artists may have self-reported as more fit and without impediments.” [And if you perceive yourself or choose to present yourself as more fit than you are, even that seems positive to a layperson like myself.]
Still Kicking: Aging Performing Artists in NYC and LA Metro Areas: Information on Artists IV
“This study of aging performing artists 62+ in the metro areas of LA and NYC complements our earlier study of aging visual artists. In NYC, 219 and in LA, 51 professional actors, dancers, choreographers, musicians and singers were studied, with results showing their resilience, tenacity and lifelong engagement with their art and the public.”
