Health & Fitness
The healing power of art for seniors
An unusual partnership between Alameda-based AEC Living and the Local Frank Bette Center for the Arts
It would be disingenuous to say that a looking at a painting could cure dementia, but select medical studies may one day point to art as a supplement to clinical treatment. As an expert on senior living, I have witnessed firsthand the power of art to improve health outcomes for our residents.
For some time, AEC Living has been partnering with the Frank Bette Gallery to foster long term connections between our senior residents and the greater community through a mobile art gallery and annual reception. It’s not just because we like art--because we all do--but it also helps us with our focus on addressing the special needs of our residents.
The direct role art can play for our seniors is not only heartwarming, but eases the burden of their chronic conditions and emotional states. There is preliminary evidence that engaging with the visual arts may enhance a senior’s psychological as well as physical wellbeing. Our hope is to continue providing our residents with a positive social atmosphere and ample outlets to express their creativity.
Art not only improves brain function, but aids in maintaining one’s vision. Art stimulates neurons and increases activity between different regions of the brain which can improve how dementia patients may engage with their peers, staff, families and friends. AEC Living residents are encouraged to interact with the colors and textures through opportunities to create and interact with art - from painting to sculpture--to having the gallery images on the walls of the common rooms. .
Each March, we host a competition among Alameda’s local artists to depict our world-famous shorebirds. Our residents have a blast picking out the winner and some even choose a piece to take home with them.
Some health psychologists have begun looking at how art might be used to address a variety of chronic conditions, due to its capacity to heal emotional injuries, increase empathy, improve capacity for self reflection, and even reduce symptoms and alter behaviors. While the direct health effects of art engagement are continuing to be uncovered, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to demonstrate how it directly enhances quality of life for all ages. We are delighted to have the opportunity to bring this local gem to our residents.
About Lauren Zimmerman-Cook, CEO, AEC Living
Lauren Zimmerman-Cook is Chief Executive Officer of AEC Living, a second-generation family-owned group of independently operated senior living communities and a Medicare-approved rehabilitation agency.
Her career spans over 20 years in the senior care industry focused on driving strategy, business transformation, and the most innovative and forward-thinking senior care in the industry. She is also an active philanthropist and community servant in Alameda, where her business and family reside.
Lauren is a licensed California Nursing Home Administrator and has earned six educational degrees and several professional licenses. She has two bachelor’s degrees in Accountancy and Spanish Language and Literature from the University of San Diego. She also has three master’s degrees in Gerontology from USC Davis School of Gerontology, one in Law and Taxation, from New York University School of Law, and a degree in Professional Accounting, Taxation, Management Control and Audit from The University of Texas at Austin. She has a doctorate in Law from Tulane University Law School, holds a valid California Bar License, is a certified internal auditor, and passed the CPA exam.
Frank Bette Center for the Arts
The non-profit, volunteer run Frank Bette Center for the Arts is housed in the lovely yellow turn-of-the-century Victorian at 1601 Paru Street at Lincoln Avenue in Alameda, California.
Benefactor Frank Bette was well known as a master antique furniture restorer. Upon his death in 1999 at the age of 99, he bequeathed the house as “a place for meetings, readings, showings, and other creative doings.” (Read his history.)
Today, our mission includes fulfilling and building upon Frank’s dream. Artists, art lovers, and collectors are encouraged to view this year’s programs and to get involved in.
Frank Bette gave the community a beautiful building and his generous spirit inspires the character of the Center and the arts. Today, his strengths - serving the community and reaching out to partner creatively with visionary people and organizations – allow the Frank Bette Center for the Arts to strive toward becoming a leading catalyst for creative energy and cultural pride.
