Creative Aging Cincinnati

Stephanie is a loving wife and caregiver to her wonderful husband, Barry. They joined us for a Creative Aging Cincinnati program with Bi-Okoto.

Barry has always been an intellectual and even now, with dementia, he always carries his books with him. Stephanie said that even though he can't read them anymore, they are a part of him.
"But the music....it moves him".

"At this stage in his life, he lives in the moment. It is the experience of it. It speaks to him. It moves him. It is delightful to see the smile on his face when he participates. For the caregiver, we don't have that many opportunities to smile and be happy with our loved ones"- Stephanie

What a joy it is to get to know Stephanie and Barry and to be able to bring the arts to so many seniors in our community!

Today we celebrate the life of Grace Huddleston. Grace served as Program Director for over 10 years, until she retired at the age of 84 in 2014!
Grace loved her four children deeply. She was involved in the arts and volunteering her entire life. She carried herself with poise and grace. She had a great sense of humor with the best laugh. She was a kind and gentle soul and was a beloved member of Creative Aging's staff. We were fortunate to stay in touch and enjoyed our lunches together over the years. We will miss her dearly.

Love seeing all the senior center members in their Elder purple!! Thanks to Dr. Aaron Zeigler and the students from the Steel Drum Band who shared their time and talents.

Thanks to a Catalyzing Impact Grant from , we’re kicking off an exciting year of new programs that involves collaborations with Bi-Okoto, India Culture of Dance, The Story Collective and The Flying Cloud Dancers! These programs that will bring people together, spark creativity, and make a real difference. We’re grateful for the support and can’t wait to get started!

Starting off the year at one of his favorite places to play!! Chris Lee at Stepping Stones in Norwood. He consistently shares his love for music and bringing joy to those we are fortunate enough to serve. I look forward to his selfies at every booking. A shout out to Lisa Stevenson too who is amazing and enthusiastic.

Thank you The Serene Suites for sharing your Creative Aging Cincinnati program!!!

We love when facilities share our programs in action! Thank you
Magnolia Springs of Loveland!!

Today is the last day of the Challenge! You have until 5pm to make your donation!

Why do we do what we do? See below for a few quotes from facilities that we serve, artists that we work with and board members.

Facility Activity Staff Quotes:

The program allows residents to enjoy a diverse array of experiences, including live performances by musicians, interactive art sessions, invigorating exercise classes, and more enriching activities designed to foster community and well-being. Carla C.

I can tell by the smiles on our seniors faces and they start singing along that the songs bring back good memories. Linda S.

It makes them feel young and alive again. Lisa V.

Artists:

The music programs I perform through Creative Aging are some of the most rewarding accomplishments in my life. Seeing the smiling faces on residents' faces as they sing along with me melts my heart. I feel that the work I do through this organization gives me greater purpose! Maribeth S.

In Memory Care Units it’s a blessing to me to see a smile, and lips moving to an old familiar song from a resident who (I’m often told) “…never responds to anyone or anything…” Dave H.

The audiences and events are filled with people who love music for sing along, celebration and joy. We come away feeling so connected to all that is good about life.--Roberta S. of Raison D'Etre

Board Members:

I was impressed with the mission and impact that Creative Aging has on the community. Creative Aging connects audiences with artists for a life enriching experience that may otherwise be missed or forgotten. With nearly 700 events annually, some down to a 1:1 basis for Alzheimer patients, just spoke to me and my family circumstances. It makes me want to be a part of this special organization. Johnnie C. Board Chair

Older adults are brilliant, beloved members of our community. They often lose connection as they age. Communication can become challenging, memory less accessible, and physical declines limiting; but their connection to music, stories and shared experiences stays strong . I’ve watched non-verbal Creative Aging clients sing and sway with our artists. I’ve seen their care givers catch rare glimpses of their loved ones in these moments. We are making a difference that matters to the people who shaped us and our community. Older adults are worthy of a full life. Creative Aging helps bring it to them. Emily S.

I believe in the power of music and the arts to uplift all people. I appreciate the dedication of this organization over 50 years to serve elders in Greater Cincinnati and bring them the joy of music and the arts. Lisa D.

Please consider a donation today by following the link:

Support Creative Aging Cincinnati on Cincinnati Gives Creative Aging Cincinnati (CAC) provides arts and humanities programs to seniors in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky areas. No longer attending outside community events due to physical, cognitive, transportation or financial challenges, seniors benefit from m...

Bonus Challenge Day! Help us earn extra cash and an ad in Cincinnati Magazine!

We are almost halfway through our challenge and would love for you to donate and/ or help us spread the word about the many things we do!

Your funding can help fund programs in facilities and can also fund special programs throughout the year that have meaning to you.

One very special program we offer is The Vern and Aileen Kohler Dementia Program. This is a one on one program for individuals at the end stages of dementia and is fully funded by the Kohler family. Photo below.

Why do they support Creative Aging and this program? We asked both Bart and Curt Kohler:

My mom and dad both loved music and my siblings and I grew up around that. Late in my moms life, suffering from dementia, music was the only way to communicate with her and was one of her few joys and comforts. To be able to share the gift of music with others who may be bed ridden or cognitively hampered keeps our parents spirit alive. This musical program has a way of sparking joy, lifting spirits and bringing smiles to the faces of loved ones late in the game of life. -Bart Kohler

Supporting this program is meaningful to our family(s) because music can reach loved ones we fear are lost to us in ways nothing else can. Seeing the music spark recognition, joy, or even the smallest response reminds us that they are still deeply present. - Curt Kohler

Please consider a donation today that will impact the seniors of our community in many ways!

Link to donate: https://mtyc.co/melsaf