Aging Creatively

"One of the best things about the creative process is that as we get older we can occasionally take a step back and see the value of those pieces of our life that sometimes get shelved," says Ann Rogers-Williams. "And an interesting thing happens: you become aware of things you did not realize you had. I think that is how art really connects you with your intuition."

Ann first learned of Life by Design Northwest while enrolled in the Gerontology Program at PCC. Life by Design NW's positive aging message reinforced what she discovered in the PCC Program. One of the most exciting things she learned about creativity and aging was in Gene D. Cohen's book, The Creative Age. She learned that during the second half of life our brains begin to work differently, we are able to synthesize our thinking in such a way that we are actually able to become more creative as we age - partly because our life experiences inform our work, but also because our brains synthesize information in new ways. So being creative as an older adult is not just about the enjoyment of creation, it is actually taking advantage of a new capability in how we process information. She says, "People need to know that what they are doing creatively is extremely important."

Ann has been interested in the arts all her life. She has pursued many different types of art, including printmaking, creative writing, and collage. She sees Art and the creative process as a key nurturing source in her life. This can mean formal Art, such as painting or sculpture, or more indirect creative pursuits, such as cooking food, arranging furniture and even selecting the colors for your clothes.

As a Senior Center Coordinator in Portland, Ann has observed the value of creative activities in the Senior Center where she works. There you would find groups such as the Crafting group working on various forms of art and sharing creative ideas, and folks that come and play music, do woodworking, take watercolor classes, and acrylic painting classes. "There are so many incredible things that people are doing now at this phase of their lives."

She is motivated and inspired by the people around her, and especially by the way that some find creative ways of solving difficult issues, and despite physical and personal challenges find ways to participate in the community, and share the enjoyment of their lives.

Not only does Ann support the Arts in her vocational environment, it is also part of her personal daily living. "It is always important to have some kind of creative pursuit in my life," she said. "There are lots of ways to be creative, even if it's how you do your gardening, or put a wonderful dinner together, the creative process is what helps us get connected with ourselves, and express who we really are."

Ann will be offering a class in Visual Journaling at Life by Design NW this fall.