Julie Kline and Sarah Jacobus from Lifetime Arts take a deep and inspiring dive into the transformative world of creative aging. As America's population shifts, nonprofits must adapt—and creative engagement is an exciting and necessary path forward.
Together, they break open the outdated, medicalized view of aging and replace it with a vision where creativity, choice, and social connection are seen as core elements of a vibrant older life. They explore how creative programs provide empowerment, reduce isolation, and foster new identities for older adults—a dynamic shift nonprofits can't afford to ignore.
Julie Kline, Director of Program Strategy at Lifetime Arts, passionately describes the organization’s mission: “Our goal is to weave creative aging into the fabric of our communities.” She shares her personal journey, rooted in childhood experiences of writing plays for her grandparents, that fueled her dedication to bridging generations through creativity.
Sarah Jacobus, Creative Writing Trainer, reflects on her own pivot into this field, especially during COVID, sharing: “Being in a creative aging class is really establishing a new sense of identity—one that’s empowering and energizing.”
The conversation also tackles the nuances of gender differences in participation, the need for thoughtful partnerships, the silent influence of ageism, and the exciting expansion of training opportunities for nonprofits of all kinds—even unexpected ones like botanical gardens.
This episode will challenge you to ask: Are we ready to serve an aging population creatively, inclusively, and dynamically?
00:00:00 - Welcome and Introduction to Creative Aging
00:02:20 - What Lifetime Arts Does
00:04:00 - The "Medicalized" View of Aging
00:06:15 - Julie Klein’s Personal Journey Into Creative Aging
00:08:00 - Sarah Jacobus’ Story and COVID’s Impact
00:11:00 - Why Creativity Matters for Health and Aging
00:13:00 - Empowerment Through Creative Expression
00:14:45 - Gender Differences in Creative Aging Participation
00:18:20 - Why Nonprofits Should Care About Aging
00:20:45 - Building Effective Partnerships
00:22:00 - New Open Enrollment Training Opportunities
00:26:00 - Fighting Ageism Through Creative Programming
00:29:00 - Closing Thoughts and Call to Action
#CreativeAging #EmpowerThroughArt #NonprofitInnovation
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