NAMM Foundation Supports Policy Forum on Creativity and Aging

Policy leaders and experts from the aging, arts and healthcare fields gathered in Washington DC today for Expressive Life and Creative Practice, a policy forum to review public policy issues for the aging. With support from the NAMM Foundation, The Curb Center for Art, Enterprise and Public Policy at Vanderbilt and The National Center for Creative Aging (NCAA) organized the gathering of over 70 policy leaders and experts at the event held at the University Club of Washington, DC.

Bill Ivey, Curb Center Director and former Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, guided the discussion between aging and health care experts, representatives from government agencies, higher education professors and community advocates. The event seeks to expand understanding and awareness of the lifelong capacity for human creativity and the vital asset inherent in active participation in the arts that can and should be part of the plan for quality of life as we age.

“Too often we see aging as a barely-treatable chronic illness, but in fact later years offer unique opportunities to connect with community and with personal achievement. The Expressive Life concept provides a fresh definition of quality of life and clear suggestions about what public policies can help,” says Ivey.

The level of attendees confirmed represents the seriousness with which this topic is being considered throughout government. Representatives will be in attendance from the State Department, FCC, Pentagon, the National Endowment for the Arts, Homeland Security, department directors from major universities, AARP, The Kennedy Center and more from throughout the arts, government and higher education.

“Aging is neither a disease nor a disability, but an exceptional part of our social capital,” says Gay Hanna, PhD, Executive Director of the NCCA. “We as a nation are not positioned to tap the potential of longevity. The health, retirement and community development systems are outdated and inadequate. We welcome this policy forum as an opportunity to address these issues and engage rigorous discussion among prominent thought leaders.”

“The NAMM Foundation is honored to participate in this event that brings together thought leaders who can guide these ideas about aging and creativity,“ says Mary Luehrsen, executive director of the NAMM Foundation. “The event also builds on NAMM’s long time commitment to Recreational Music Making and the belief that one is never too old to know the joys and benefits of making music.”

About The National Center for Creating Aging
The National Center for Creative Aging is the national clearinghouse at the nexus of creativity and aging Dedicated to fostering an understanding of the vital relationship between creative expression and quality of life for older adults. NCCA focuses its efforts within three target areas: Health and Wellness; Lifelong Learning; and Community Engagement.

About the Curb Center for Art, Enterprise and Public Policy at Vanderbilt University
Curb Center for Art, Enterprise and Public Policy at Vanderbilt University. The Center defines cultural policy broadly, focusing on the roles of private industry, individual actors, and government regulators in shaping the system in which art and information are created, distributed, and consumed.

About The NAMM Foundation
The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit organization with the mission of advancing active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs from the international music products industry. For more information about the NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.