Resources & Studies

Stagebridge’s affordable classes and innovative programs have a dramatic impact on individuals and communities alike. We delight in engaging seniors and youth through the arts.  Our own experience of the psychological and physical benefits of creative engagement is being backed up in research.

We’ve compiled some of our favorite articles. Click on any of the titles below to download. Have you recently read a study about the benefits of the performing arts? Contact us today and tell us – we always love to learn more.

Creative Aging Studies

• Aroha Philanthropies Artful Aging Portal

• Report: The Summit on Creativity and Aging in America in collaboration with the 2015 White House Conference on Aging

• Creative Ageing and Resilience in Challenging Times, Presentation by NSW Ministerial Advisory Committee on Ageing, International Federation on Ageing 13th Global Conference, Brisbane QLD, 2016

• The Age of Creativity: Arts & The Future of Aging, Grantmakers in Aging 2015 Conference

• Studies Show that Older Adults with Creativity in their Lives are Healthier than those without, NCCA

• “The Impact of Professionally Conducted Cultural Programs on Older Adults” The Creativity and Aging Study

Singing and Dance & Healthy Aging

• Community of Voices Research Study on Choral Singing and Healthy Aging

• The Effects of Singing on Older Adults, NEA Art Works Blog

• Chorus America Singing and Wellness Resource Guide

• “The significance of choral singing for sustaining psychological wellbeing: findings from a survey of choristers in England, Australia and Germany” Music Performance Research

• Dance for PD: a preliminary investigation of effects on motor function and quality of life among persons with Parkinson’s disease (PD), Neurology and Pre-Clinical Neurological Studies

• Ballroom Dancing and Alzheimers - Can Dancing Make You Smarter? The Alzheimer's Project

• Dancing and the Brain, Harvard Mahoney Neuroscience Institute, On the Brain Newsletter

• “Effect of Music-Based Multitask Training on Gait, Balance, and Fall Risk in Elderly People” American Medial Association

Storytelling & Healthy Aging

• Healthy Aging, Healthy Treatment: The Impact of Telling Stories, Tom H. Peake

• The Effects of Storytelling on Happiness and Resilience in Older Adults, Barbara J.R. Mager and Lou Ann M. Stevens, St. Catherine University

Improv and Creative Play & Healthy Aging

• Good for the Heart, Good for the Soul: The Creative Arts and Brain Health in Later Life, American Association on Aging

Acting and Playwriting & Healthy Aging

• “What Studies of Actors and Acting Can Tell Us About Memory and Cognitive Functioning” Elmhurst College, Indiana State University

Press Archive

Stagebridge’s affordable classes and innovative programs have a dramatic impact on individuals and communities alike. We delight in engaging seniors and youth through the arts.  Our own experience of the psychological and physical benefits of creative engagement is being backed up in the press.

We’ve compiled some of our favorite articles. Click on any of the titles below to download. Have you recently read something intriguing about the benefits of the performing arts? Let us know – we’d love to pass it on.

About Stagebridge

• “Stagebridge Brings Generations Together.” ANG Newspapers

• “More than Theatre: an Intergenerational Education.” American Society on Aging Magazine

Acting

• “Stagebridge showcases Oakland’s mature performing talent.” Oakland North

• “Acting helps shake dementia’s firm grip.” Oakland Tribune

• “The Magic of Theatre with Real Older Actors.” Generations Magazine

How to Start a Creativity and Aging Program

• “Creativity Matters: Arts and Aging in America.” Americans for the Arts

Improv

• “Seniors in the Spotlight.” San Francisco Chronicle

Singing

• “Choral Singing and Empathy – a Close Connection.” The Voice of Chorus America

• “A Wrinkle in 4/4 Time. Strategies for dealing with the challenges of aging voices.” Menahan, Kelsey. The Voice of Chorus America

• “Good for the Body, Good for the Soul.” Menahan, Kelsey. The Voice of Chorus America

• “Sound of Silence. How “getting quiet” through meditation can enhance choral singing.” Houston, Lisa. The Voice of Chorus America

• “The Singing Health Connection.” Sparks, John. The Voice of Chorus America

• “Singing Together Fosters Creative Expression in People with Disabilities.” The Voice of Chorus America

• “Sing for Your Health. Study finds that choral singing boosts production of antibodies that fight disease.” Fisher, Marla Jo. The Voice of Chorus America

Storytelling

• “Growing Older: Storytelling program helps those with dementia.” Oakland Tribune

• “An Essential Public Good.” Theatre Bay Area

• “Special Storytelling World Issue.” Storytelling Magazine

• “Storytelling Festival. Stage Acting for the Young at Heart.” Oakland Tribune