Creative Ageing 
Creative Ageing is an essential part of our approach to care at Whiddon because of the strong connections between the arts and good health, and the lifelong benefits that creative therapies and programs offer.
We use humour, art, music, song and dance, cooking, storytelling and pet therapy to bring enjoyment and improve the health and wellbeing of our clients and residents.
Our Creative Ageing programs include a wide range of activities and therapies. Some are aimed at everyone’s enjoyment – gardening programs, arts and crafts, singing and choirs, games, music, hen keeping and animal therapy – and others are structured therapy programs to support people with dementia.
There is a wealth of evidence around the connection between creative expression and health and from this emerged the term ‘Creative Ageing’.
Creative ageing is a term we use broadly at Whiddon to talk about different forms of creative expression such as arts & crafts, music, dance, theatre, animal therapy, writing, cooking or gardening. Creative ageing activities are enjoyable, and therefore something that people are more likely to continue participating in. It provides a sense of purpose and participation, builds self-esteem and confidence, and reduces anxiety, stress and depression.
Creative ageing activities are enjoyable, and therefore something that people are more likely to continue participating in.
Creative ageing provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment, builds self-esteem and confidence that reduces anxiety, stress and depression. Creative ageing can also improve physical capability and cognition. Almost more importantly, creative expression can be made available to everyone in some form, regardless of age, disability and frailty.
Whiddon is a pioneer in the wellbeing and creative ageing field in Australia.
From bringing programs such as HenPower and Dancewise to Australia, to creating our own programs like Creature Comforts and VintageBites, Whiddon are a leader in the creative ageing space in aged care in Australia and have won numerous awards for our work.
