Knowledgeable Aging

Resources for the Aging Population

Improvising Creative Process For The Aging Population in Covid-19

Artists around the world are currently adapting to shutdowns by swapping physical performance spaces for virtual ones. They are finding creative and innovative ways to keep people socially connected while observing social distancing during a pandemic that keeps us apart.

The presence and the spread of Coronavirus globally has increased mental problems, compounded with increased anxiety, stress, burn-outs and panic.

The use of arts and technology in health becomes a critical tool to leverage on in this global pandemic.  The arts and culture sector are a reservoir of hope, ideas and optimism that inspires innovation in time of crisis. There is evidence that art-based interventions are effective in reducing adverse physiological and psychological health outcomes for communities and persons affected by public health crises.

Improvisation of the creative process for the aging population explores the concept of creative art which helps in developing coping mechanisms in times of distress, anxiety, panic, crisis and at odd times. It gives the participants the permission to explore their surroundings to discover creativity and experience a non-judgmental art making means of expression.

Older adults can have a meaningful experience when their caregivers, children and grandchildren collaborate with them in art making activities. Creative engagement improves the brain, reduces stress, depression and loneliness. Art making uplift spirits. Participants in this webinar would be able to identify simple technique of art making through the use of objects available in their environment. They will be able to improvise art making through basic art materials. Although the world is experiencing a lockdown and social distancing, art making is one of the surest ways of keeping our mental health intact, socializing, building community of health and culture of care.

Listen to the Podcast

  • 1:43 – Who is Kunle Adewale
  • 3:04 – How he got into using art for therapeutic purposes
  • 4:28 – How is art helpful for our aging population
  • 6:49 – How to use arts as a coping mechanism during Covid-19
  • 11:55 – Which is more important – the process of art making or the end product
  • 13:49 – How organizations that work with older adults are leveraging technology and arts
  • 16:47 – Questions and more thoughts on his journey in creative arts in Nigeria and across the globe
Kunle Adewale

With over a decade of experience as an artist and educationist, Kunle founded ‘Tender Arts Nigeria’ in 2013, a social enterprise and non-profit organization which aims to positively impact children, youth and adults, with a focus on therapeutic arts, art education, talent development, community development and civic engagement. Projects that Kunle facilitated in the past and present range from therapeutic art projects for displaced families suffering from post-traumatic stress disorders, to children and adults living with cancer, sickle cell anemia, dementia, mental illnesses, HIV and aids, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism or other neurological disorders.

He has impacted over 15,000 beneficiaries through his art programs in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa and USA. He currently leads the largest Arts in Health Network on the continent of Africa through the ‘Arts in Medicine Fellowship for Students and Professionals in Arts and Health’, located in Nigeria. He has featured as a panelist and keynote speaker at Arts in Health-related conferences in Nigeria and abroad. His development works has featured on Aljazeera, Reuters, BBC Africa, TRT World and Africa 54 Voice of America Washington DC among many others.

His community-based projects have been supported by U.S Department of State, Center for Arts in Medicine, University of Florida, U.S Consulate Lagos, and endorsed by International Child Arts Foundation, Washington D.C, United Nation Information Center, Society of Nigerian Artists, Nigerian Medical Association, Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, Lagos State Ministry of Sports Youth and Social Development.

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