Women Writing for a Change presents Encore! Writing Workshops designed for the aging population. Workshops are tailored to the needs of senior centers, or residents of independent, assisted and memory care facilities.
Gene Cohen, noted gerontologist writes, “What awaits us in our later age is not a wasteland, but a frontier.”
Writing circles combine the use of poetry and other forms, to elicit a love for language, and allow for personal expression and writing time. Circles can be thematic, multi-sensory, incorporate various art forms, or provide for weekly prompts. Workshops will include the reading of and listening to other’s words.
When individuals are around others who are doing a writing and remembering activity, this serves as a powerful enticement to do it themselves – Alan Dienstag, psychologist, NY.
Participants at this stage are primarily interested in autobiographical writing. Therefore, circles might survey topics such as love, history, family, faith, vocation or health. Other circles might delve deeper to explore current events, social justice, personal development, dreams, passions, healing.
Participation in writing circles has been shown to create a stronger community amongst members, at a time when members have been separated from loved ones or the family home. Writing as an exercise creates purpose for that moment, and its output offers staff a connection to members or residents.
Through writing and listening, participants achieve the” four factors that determine brain health – a mind that is nourished, active, connected and engaged.” National Center for Creative Aging.
Workshops can be held as one-time, four to six-week, or on-going programs. Contact Women Writing for Change Foundation today, to bring the Encore! program to your facility.