HEALING THE SPIRIT WITH THE ARTS

   “Anything that is associated with losing memory is greatly feared but we should realize that our brains need exercise as well,” says Dr.Dalia Gottlieb-Tanaka, “and that includes a focus on creativity.  Being physically active now needs to extend to the brain and that is why we need to realize our brain needs care to express itself by doing whatever we can to postpone its deterioration.  The Expression Activities Program and the Memory Café for seniors in the Okanagan is developing in the North Okanagan for older adults.  The program begins in July and is linked to health issues and well being in older adults, especially for those who were diagnosed with early to moderate dementia.  It includes painting, reminiscing, dancing, story telling, acting, cooking, designating, learning new things, singing, sharing dreams and philosophical approaches to life’s lessons learned.  “I can tell you that everyone who has had this experience with the program has loved it.  It is healing our souls and certainly worth trying,” says Dr. Gottlieb-Tanaka.

   The next program begins in July at the Schubert Center located on 30^th Avenue at Seaton Centre and designed to accommodate the needs of older people, 55 and up, who may live at home and function well, or may need some limited help.  Gary Arbuckle, director at services for Kindale, has offered space with his organization for the CEA program and helps people who might be reluctant to participate in programs administrated in adult day care centers. 

   Gottlieb-Tanaka took a circuitous route to her work in the field of gerontology and conceiving the CEA program for which she won an award from the American Society of Aging and the MetLife Foundation.  After raising two children she returned to school to pursue new directions in gerontology in the study of creative expression, dementia and therapeutic environment and received a Masters Degree from the University of British Columbia.  She and husband Mineo Tanaka, a retired architect, now live in Vernon.  “The society is based on my PhD studies, the psychosocial approach to dementia care.  It was initially a tough sell as people were used to dealing with health issues based only on the physical and medical model,” she says.  “If a medical cure is not found by 2021 there will be 600,000 people with dementia in Canada.  So far it is based on volunteer work and I must thank both Jack Gareb and Benjamin Moore who have been so amazing from day one until funding comes through for paid staff.  Contact Gottlieb-Tanaka at dr.daliagt@gmail.com.