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Reimagining Aging through Art
“Thank you for doing this. We never get to do things like this.”
“It was nice to have the encouragement to do something new. I’m 68, but you’re never too old to try something new! This is a therapeutic outlet to forget about your problems for a while.”
Our primary aim is to use art and creative expression to foster new ways of imagining and engaging with later life. Our digital archive includes pieces from over 35 submitting artists that capture diverse images and stories of aging, later life, and intergenerational (dis)connection. Many artists are older themselves, and younger artists are encouraged to engage in conversation and collaboration with an older adult who has played some role in shaping their life through the creation of their piece.
Part of reimagining aging includes fostering creative skills in later life, whether they are old or new. We engage older adults in art-making projects, including facilitation of arts-based workshops and interventions. This collaborative art installation was created by a group of residents at an assisted living facility using mediums and techniques such as watercolors, tole painting, cyanotypes, pencil coloring, and tissue paper crafts.
Amplifying the voices of older adults
We aim to empower older adults to share their experiences, wisdom, stories, and creativity. Processing our emotions, life histories, and intentions for the future through creating or viewing art is a powerful process and one that should be accessible for all older adults, including those who do and do not see themselves as artists.
When high school artist Bethany Bates set out to create a piece for the Untold Stories of Aging competition, she turned first to her mom for inspiration—and discovered just how powerful perspective can be. Their conversation about the stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding aging became the heart of Bethany’s artwork: a striking visual metaphor that challenges viewers to “get their eyes checked.” Through her piece, Bethany invites audiences to see aging not as decline, but as clarity—where wisdom, strength, and beauty come sharply into focus.
Fostering intergenerational dialogue
We bring together individuals of diverse ages to discuss aging-related topics, such as by facilitating discussions among place-based communities who want to make their environment more aging-friendly, or encouraging conversation among family members who need space to process historical or generational trauma and healing.
By fostering meaningful conversation, we gain critical wisdom from our older community and family members as well as providing inspiration to young people so they can imagine aging in more diverse and creative way.
When high school artist Bethany Bates set out to create a piece for the Untold Stories of Aging competition, she turned first to her mom for inspiration—and discovered just how powerful perspective can be. Their conversation about the stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding aging became the heart of Bethany’s artwork: a striking visual metaphor that challenges viewers to “get their eyes checked.” Through her piece, Bethany invites audiences to see aging not as decline, but as clarity—where wisdom, strength, and beauty come sharply into focus.
Crafted from driftwood, reclaimed metal, and tools passed down through generations, Windswept Juniper by Matthew Obold-Geary is both sculpture and story—a tribute to resilience, wisdom, and the quiet power of time. Winner of the Untold Stories of Aging 2024 First Prize Award, the five-foot-tall piece transforms discarded materials into a symbol of endurance, connecting the artist’s family history with the timeless lessons of nature. Like the juniper that inspired it, Matthew’s work reminds us that even when weathered by life’s elements, we remain rooted, strong, and full of wisdom.
Supporting practitioners and organizers working in aging services
Individuals who provide health and social services, community-based advocacy, and social programming power our communities using their professional tools and resources. We support their work through offering training, access to funding, and supportive resources in creating arts-based programming.
The 2023 Sigler Family Aging Scholars—Kristin Nichols, Lindsay Huddlestun, and Sam Gibson—set out to spotlight the powerful, often unseen stories of professionals who dedicate their work to supporting older adults. Their video project, launched during a statewide continuing education webinar, brought together 75 practitioners and advocacy partners to celebrate and strengthen the field of aging practice. By sharing real experiences from the frontlines, the scholars hope to inspire a new wave of social workers and healthcare professionals to join this vital and growing field.