Acting and movement, singing and songwriting and other forms of artistic self-expression tailored to the needs of older people will be offered in Newcastle every week under a new evidence-based program.
The Arts on Prescription in the Hunter workshops, developed by HammondCare, are intended as a fun way through music and movement to improve health and wellbeing as well as social connection for people aged more than 65.
There was plenty of singing and jiving at the launch event for the innovative workshops run by trained performance artists on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at Hamilton Community Hive.
More workshops will be held each Tuesday between 10 and 11.30am at Hamilton tailored to meet the needs of individual participants, including people living with illness, injuries, low vision, frailty or even dementia.
Older people with Home Care Packages or receiving Short Term Restorative Care support may be able to participate by allocating funds under their care package, so potentially no direct cost to them.
The music and movement workshops follow the launch in February of separate painting workshops, also overseen by trained artists, for older people now underway at the Hudson Street Hum.
HammondCare Lead Artist Practitioner Charlotte Salusinszky said artists involved are trained to ensure the workshops will meet the needs of everyone attending, including those who need to bring a carer along.
“This group blends singing, songwriting and music appreciation as a form of artistic self-expression,” Charlotte said.
“To compliment the music, participants will also be led through movement and drama exercises.
“The idea is to improve confidence, enjoy social connection, and develop new skills.
“Group participants can expect vocal and physical warmups, drama games, group singalongs and some dance.”
Professor Chris Poulos, Director of the Centre for Positive Ageing, said there was strong evidence that older people who develop their creative side can see benefits from a more positive active life as they age.
“All the research suggests that involvement in the arts results in improvement in activity levels, stimulation for the brain, improved social connections, reduced stress and general improvement in wellbeing,” Dr Poulos said.
He said a priority of the program is for everyone who participates to have their needs met – so no one needs to be good at singing, dancing or drama to benefit and enjoy themselves.
“HammondCare is delighted to be able to bring such a beneficial program to the Hunter,” Dr Poulos said.