Some of us were lucky. We were in the right place, at the right time. We were able to pursue our creative passions through our work. Others found suitable work to fulfill responsibilities and obligations. Creativity was expressed through homemaking, hobbies and other activities. After mid-life we naturally start re-evaluating our choices, priorities and options. […]
Author: Kathy Smith
Creating Your Ideal Retirement
We’re starting a series of Creativity Workshops for adults 55+ at Panache Gallery, 140 Fullarton Street, London Ontario on Saturdays from 2pm to 4pm. Find out more on Saturday August 26th 2pm to 4pm. What steps can you take to change a lifestyle that was (perhaps) not feeding your soul or spirit? Retirement might provide […]
We Welcome New Members
We’re growing our network and there is no membership fee in 2017 and 2018. Our community partners, co-sponsors, funders and volunteers provide the resources needed to launch new programs and events. We strive to keep programs free (or pay what you can) so all can participate. We’re a network of adults 55+ with interests in […]
Instructors & Facilitators
(Shown above, Chris Baldwin our photography instructor and organizer of the London Photo Walks) The London Creative Age Network collaborates with a talented group of professional artist educators (BEd and MEd) from artistic disciplines, including theatre, writing, music, voice, painting, the rhythmic arts and more. In addition to bringing expertise in professional artistic performance, they […]
Vlog & livestream training continues July 24th
Our video blogging and live streaming training at Campus Creative for community volunteers started July 10th and registration is now closed. We’re full! Through the months of July and August, we’ll be working with designated trainers from Campus Creative (London Ontario) to learn advanced social media skills to record programs, activities and events and broadcast […]
Making the Most of Your Retirement Rogers tv London
Retirement is unique to each person and the traditional ideas of retirement don’t seem to apply any longer. Our elders tell us we’ll go through many different stages after mid-life. Our interests and needs will change frequently and we’ll be required to change with them. We can assume we will be required to be resourceful […]
How We Social-ize
We’re a network of volunteer community-builders who work together to research, plan and organize new programs and events targeted to adults 50+ in our communities. Most of our volunteers are fully retired or they maintain some type of flexible paid employment. The average age is 68. In addition to our meetings and social events, we […]
Creative Aging Resources
I’m happy to share some Creative Aging resources with our readers. Over the years, different groups around the globe have developed programs and communication tools. Here’s a list of links you might find helpful and useful. Here in London Ontario, we have made use of the excellent resources and toolkits for community and program development. […]
Age Friendly London Conference
In 2009, a small group of Londoners and municipal staff started a city-wide consultation process to have London Ontario become the first Canadian city to receive the Age Friendly City designation from the World Health Organization. Members of the original Age Friendly London start-up working group assisted City of London Councillor Gina Barber (chairperson) with […]
Creative Aging Presentations
Canada’s population is not only growing older – but the pace of change is accelerating, as StatsCan numbers show seniors now outnumber children for the first time in the survey’s history. This demographic shift will present both challenges and opportunities for Ontario municipalities. Creative Age London volunteers have been organizing creative aging programs, events […]
Creative Age Art Studio Now Open
On Friday May 26th, volunteers held an Open House for the new Creative Age Arts Studio at the Dorchester Lions Senior Centre in Thames Centre (pop. 13,000). Through community-based art and creativity programs, the goal is to support creative, healthy and independent lifestyles for local older adults with a special outreach to those who are single, […]
Creative Age Programs at London Public Library
Thanks to our sponsor, London Public Library, our Spring programs are free to London residents. Our volunteers work with library staff to determine programs and identify instructors based on the interests of the residents of each neighbourhood. After each program offering, we gather feedback and recommendations for future programs. Our programs are also designed to […]
2017 London Ontario Creative Age Art Exhibit and Celebration
Meet and Greet the Artists Over 100 new works Wine & Cheese May 25th 2pm Panache Gallery 148 Fullarton Street Help Audrey Cooper celebrate her 90th Learn about her unique Urban Folk Art SaveSave
Social Media Training for Adults 55+
Starting July 2017 Sponsored by Museum London – Campus Creative and the London Creative Age Network are offering new media training sessions for adults 55+ Location: Campus Creative, 533 Clarence Street, London Ontario We’ll take lots of time to learn Live Streaming Video to YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – using your smartphone, tablet […]
Making the Most of Your Retirement
We’re at it again. Starting this May, I’ll be co-producing another series of Rogers Cable TV Shows for those who are already retired and those who are just thinking about it. Knowledgeable guests chat with hosts Kelley Simons and Murray Faulkner to share information about services and products of interest to an aging population and […]
London Creative Age Artist in Residence 2017
ANNOUNCEMENT The London Creative Age Network is thrilled to announce our 2017/2018 Artist in Residence Approaching her 90th birthday, Audrey Cooper will be making presentations about the important role of creative self-expression in healthy & vibrant aging. Creative Aging Awareness Week is May 22nd through May 26th 2017, June is Seniors’ Month in Ontario. Audrey […]
Creative Aging in London Ontario Canada
WELCOME! We’re a network of adults (50+) in London Ontario. We believe in nurturing the creative spirit and sharing the joys of community arts and social/cultural engagement including: visual arts creative writing rhythmic arts theatre engagement and outreach events and activities To keep our programs affordable and accessible, most are co sponsored by local businesses, […]
Local Seniors Consulted at Museum London
In November 2016, the Museum London – Centre at the Forks Research and Planning Team invited seniors to envision a creative space for programs, events and activities. The older adults (ages 55 to 95) attended a community consultation and were toured around the proposed new Centre at the Forks 4,800 square foot space which will […]
Toronto Co Housing for Creative Aging
“shared common areas, meals, duties” The Toronto Co Housing for Creative Aging group has had two information sessions, late October and mid-November 2016, attended by about 30 people each. Only the first meetingwas promoted; the second was made up of people on the wait list. It’s clear to the organizers that there’s a strong demand […]
Smith receives Ontario achievement award
Recognizing her work in developing creative aging programs, activities and events in London Ontario and other Ontario cities, Kathy Smith was presented with the Ontario Seniors Achievement Award from the Honourable Dipika Damerla, MPP who serves as Minister of Seniors Affairs and the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Ontario’s 29th Lieutenant Governor
Creative Aging in Canada
Article by Karen Close, a resident of Kelowna BC. Karen is the founder of heART Fit: A Spontaneous Process Painting Program that has run for 7 years at the Rotary Centre for the Arts in Kelowna. Karen is also the editor Sage-ing With Creative Spirit, Grace and Gratitude: The Journal of Creative Aging www.sageing.ca To finish […]
Creative Aging in London Ontario
The London Creative Age Network (LCAN) is a community-engaged arts success story! The network functions as a peer-led catalyst group and has operated on volunteer power since its inception in 2013. It was even earlier, in 2008, when five friends (all Leading Edge Baby Boomers) originally met to share ideas about building a community of interest […]