As the new year begins, and after a 3 week break , the Moving Arts project at Cooinda Village has resumed with participants from Benalla Health, Morrie Evans Wing and Day Activities, Alkoomi Nursing Home and Cooinda Village, meeting each Tuesday for eight weeks to enjoy art and movement activities. This is now the second 8 week group and several participants from the first group, who were unable to attend all sessions first time round, have elected to participate again. Participating in the program are eight enthusiastic young people who have delighted and inspired everyone with their youthful energy.
Many comments have been received about how having fun and friendship have been important to participants as well as the opportunity to try something new.
Benalla resident, Doris Cloaghton commented on the social aspect of the Moving Arts Project and said she “ enjoys the company, everybody makes me feel welcome, I enjoy everything, the laughter and the company”
Current research indicates that laughter not only has physiological benefits such as raising endorphin levels or improving cardiovascular health but also fosters social connection and increased feelings of belonging. As cognitive abilities decline, it can become much harder for people living with dementia to continue to participate in their social groups which can result in withdrawal into the self and social isolation.
Dance Movement therapist, Maeve Larkin, says she provides a safe environment in her movement sessions which “allows, indeed, facilitates the possibility of transformation.” (Chaiklin The Art and Science of Dance/movement Therapy). An environment of acceptance invites the individual to emerge, express and communicate and this often occurs through playful interactions, involving much laughter shared by everyone.
According to The Arts in Dementia Care organisation, “a wealth of research has demonstrated that participation in creative activities promotes health and well being by stimulating curiosity and self-evaluation, by encouraging individuals to express themselves in meaningful ways, and by affirming their dignity and self-worth.”
The Moving Arts Project is funded through the Australian Government's Dementia Community Support Grants.
Many comments have been received about how having fun and friendship have been important to participants as well as the opportunity to try something new.
Benalla resident, Doris Cloaghton commented on the social aspect of the Moving Arts Project and said she “ enjoys the company, everybody makes me feel welcome, I enjoy everything, the laughter and the company”
Current research indicates that laughter not only has physiological benefits such as raising endorphin levels or improving cardiovascular health but also fosters social connection and increased feelings of belonging. As cognitive abilities decline, it can become much harder for people living with dementia to continue to participate in their social groups which can result in withdrawal into the self and social isolation.
Dance Movement therapist, Maeve Larkin, says she provides a safe environment in her movement sessions which “allows, indeed, facilitates the possibility of transformation.” (Chaiklin The Art and Science of Dance/movement Therapy). An environment of acceptance invites the individual to emerge, express and communicate and this often occurs through playful interactions, involving much laughter shared by everyone.
According to The Arts in Dementia Care organisation, “a wealth of research has demonstrated that participation in creative activities promotes health and well being by stimulating curiosity and self-evaluation, by encouraging individuals to express themselves in meaningful ways, and by affirming their dignity and self-worth.”
The Moving Arts Project is funded through the Australian Government's Dementia Community Support Grants.