4:30-5:30 p.m

100-I. Supporting the Grieving Process with Creative Arts

Grief and loss are integral to the human experience. This is particularly true for older adults and their caregivers, who may become vulnerable to social isolation and depression if they don't process the emotional upheaval of late-life transitions like changes in physical mobility, cognition, or lifelong relationships. This session will explore how the creative arts can help. Presenters will demonstrate how music, art, dance, drama, and poetry can provide emotional support while facilitating self-expression. A music therapist and creative arts coordinator from a Virginia-based life plan community will show you how they engage with the creative arts. You'll be encouraged to extend your learning by participating in a creative art-making experience.

• Abigail Hanlon, Music Therapist
• Alison Schroeder, Arts Coordinator, Goodwin House Alexandria — Alexandria, VA, US