AGING AND THE HUMAN SPIRIT: IMAGES, INSIGHTS AND INTERVENTIONS FROM THE ARTS

The great power of art is to activate, renovate, transform. Each of us needs periodic re-inspiration to invigorate our imaginations and souls. A painting, poem, lyric, piece of children’s literature or cartoon may be just the prod to shake us out of the ruts of ordinary perception to approach the unbearable strains and joys of aging in fresh and strangely bracing ways. Intergenerational moments of instant intimacy reawaken identity, sense of self, and dignity. This presentation demonstrates how the arts challenge, instruct, and literally buttress us in our endeavor to stay present with another’s suffering and to better understand our own.. Comparing the portraits of Munch, Layton and Neel question whether self-awareness is burden or blessing and will illuminate the impact of aging on the human spirit. Changing perspectives on personhood, assisted death, second childhood, ageism and the healing power of hope, humor and human connection will be illustrated