Experts Gather for International Arts and Health Conference

A clown doctor, death talker and poet are not the first people you’d think to look to to discuss ageing issues, but they are among 60 experts meeting atht eh 5th Annual International Arts and Health Conference today to do just that.

Between now and 2050, the number of older people in Australia (65 to 84 years) will double, and the number of very old people (85 and over) will quadruple to 1.8 million.*
Along with an ageing Australian population there will be an increase in the incidence of Alzheimer’s, dementia and a range of ageing-related conditions – but it’s not all bad news.
That’s a theme behind this year’s 5th Annual International Arts and Health Conference 2013, bringing together 200 international experts with local authorities to explore topics including:

•  How arts and health programs, including visual art, poetry, music, dance, painting, sculpture, theatre, storytelling and creative writing can contribute to good health outcomes for people with ageing-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s; and

• How Australians talk about and approach issues associated with physical and mental health disorders, and even death.

“This conference will be a meeting of the minds to talk about health and wellbeing through the arts, at all stages of the lifespan,” said Margret Meagher, Executive Director, Arts and Health Australia.
“American psychiatrist Dr Gene Cohen's famous quote: ‘Art is like Chocolate for the Brain’ is our catchcry.
 “A group of around 200 health professionals, international experts, academics, and government representatives will be in attendance to talk all things ageing. “This is about sharing and exchanging information and showcasing best practice in combining the arts and health – creative ways to improve people’s lives.”
The NSW Office for Ageing is supporting the Creative Ageing focus of this year's conference, which will explore how to stay fit and well as you age.
Over 60 conference presenters will provide real insights into the positive impact that arts and creative expression can have on health and wellbeing. They will focus on six themes:

• Arts and health in primary and acute care;


• Creative ageing and aged care;


• Mental health and the arts;


• Architecture and design in health settings;


• Community arts and health; and


• Education and training for health and arts professionals.

The conference will run from today, Tuesday 12 November to Thursday 14 November.