Rhythms of Resilience: Bharatanatyam's Impact on Aging Well
In a recent insightful blog post by Sloka S. Iyengar PhD, PMP, titled “Bharatanatyam in Creative Aging,” the author delves into the transformative power of Bharatanatyam classes for older adults. As we navigate the realm of creative aging, a field dedicated to enriching the lives of seniors through engaging activities, Bharatanatyam emerges as a beacon of rejuvenation and vitality, offering promising avenues for creative aging initiatives.
Introduction
Sloka Iyengar, a neuroscientist and dancer, is deeply involved in using Bharatanatyam, a traditional Indian dance form, for creative aging. She has combined her expertise in neuroscience with her passion for dance to create spaces for older adults to engage in artistic endeavours. Sloka's work focuses on incorporating Bharatanatyam into sessions for seniors, aiming to promote connectivity, alleviate isolation, and enhance creative expression among older individuals.
Creative Aging
Creative aging involves using arts and cultural activities to promote imagination and support older individuals in aging well. It focuses on engaging older adults in creative endeavours to enhance cognitive function, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. Research indicates that participation in creative activities can lead to improved mood, cognitive abilities, and brain engagement, potentially reducing the risk of dementia or cognitive decline[1].
In a broader sense, creative aging programs aim to highlight the creativity of older adults and provide meaningful participatory engagement through various art forms. These programs have evolved over time, originating from the concepts of successful aging and healthy aging developed in the 1960s as alternatives to disengagement theory[2]. By offering opportunities for creative expression, these initiatives contribute to enhancing overall well-being by engaging thinking, emotions, creativity, and imagination[3][5].
The term "creative aging" encompasses a movement that has gained academic interest over the past two decades. It emphasises the positive impact of arts and cultural activities on older individuals, promoting a holistic approach to healthy aging that goes beyond physical health to include mental, emotional, and social well-being[4][5]. Creative aging practitioners advocate for embracing older adults as learners and creators, challenging negative stereotypes associated with aging and fostering social connections through artistic engagement[5].
Improvement in Fine Motor Skills
Through intricate hand gestures (hastas) and eye movements, Bharatanatyam becomes a powerful tool for refining fine motor skills in aging adults. Participants engage in exercises tailored to their needs, mastering traditional gestures while adapting them to contemporary contexts. This process enhances hand-eye coordination, dexterity, and spatial awareness, leading to tangible improvements in motor skills and spatial awareness. Such movements can be tailored to the individual to ensure all levels of mobility are catered to.
Physical and Social Well-Being
Bharatanatyam offers a holistic approach to physical activity, promoting balance, stability, and confidence in aging adults. Movement patterns can be adapted to accommodate participants of all mobility levels, ensuring inclusivity and comfort. Moreover, the collaborative nature of Bharatanatyam fosters a sense of community and camaraderie among participants, combating loneliness and fostering social connections.
Citations:
[1]https://www.newcastle.edu.au/hippocampus/story/2022/creative-ageing-its-all-in-your-mind
[2]https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/978-981-287-080-3_363-1
[3] https://study.com/academy/lesson/creativity-aging-definition-changes-with-age.html
[4] https://baringfoundation.org.uk/blog-post/ageism-and-creative-ageing/
[5] https://creativeagingresource.org/what-is-creative-aging/