In the realm of retirement and senior living, beyond the support of regular medical support, there’s a growing recognition of the significance of holistic care, which includes activities that cater to the emotional and mental well-being of residents.  The progressive global thinking on the transformative role of music and art exposure in such facilities is the new dimension that enriches retired life.

Reducing Isolation through Community Engagement: Retirement can sometimes lead to a sense of isolation for seniors, especially if they have lost a spouse or live far from family. Music and art programs in old age homes offer a communal space for residents to come together, fostering a sense of belonging and companionship. Group activities such as choir singing or art classes not only provide social interaction but also contribute to building a supportive community.

Enhancing cognitive performance and memory: Research suggests that engaging in music and art stimulates cognitive functions in the elderly. These activities have been linked to improved memory retention, enhanced problem-solving skills, and a reduction in the risk of cognitive decline. Incorporating these elements into the daily routine of an elder – home contributes to the overall mental well-being of its residents.

Emotional well-being and stress reduction: Music and art have profound effects on emotions. Listening to music, creating art, or music can act as a therapeutic outlet for seniors, helping them manage stress, anxiety, and depression. Old age homes that incorporate regular music sessions or art therapy provide residents with a means to express themselves creatively, leading to a positive impact on their emotional well-being. It unfailingly evokes a sense of elation and positivity.

Promoting Physical Activity and Mobility: Participating in musical activities often involves movement, whether it’s dancing, clapping, or playing instruments. Or in the yoga sessions, or in the gym, to have recorded music playing is a big positive.  Similarly, art sessions may include activities that encourage fine motor skills. Engaging in these activities promotes physical activity and helps maintain mobility among the elderly, contributing to a healthier, active and enjoyable retired life.

Customizing Programs for Diverse Interests: Every resident in an old age home has unique preferences and interests. Tailoring music and art programs to accommodate diverse tastes ensures that everyone can find something enjoyable and meaningful. Whether it’s classical music, painting, or folk art, providing a variety of options caters to the individual needs and preferences of the residents. In the holistic approach to senior living, the incorporation of music and art exposure is truly an innovation. By recognizing and embracing the therapeutic harmony of music and art, we can enhance the quality of life for our seniors, making their retirement years truly golden.

There are a few retired homes in Europe and Japan that make music and art integral to their design. However, Aumorto in Kolkata – India is a senior living initiative that incorporates music, cultural shows, art exhibitions – in fact, this facility has a remarkable art gallery (galerie la mere). There are artists regularly staging musical shows for the benefit of the residents. There are at exhibitions by wellknown and emerging artists from India and overseas that are showcased here. The residents themselves take part in cultural events and stage performances – dance, vocal and instrumental music.

Its indeed leading the way through their innovations in retired living places in India.

If you wish to visit you can schedule it on the Aumorto website – www.aumorto.in

Written By: Debashis Paul

Adda, as unlikely as it sounds is a ‘community’ pursuit for people in search of mental well-being and a vibrant social life! An adda is more than just conversation. It entails chatting with people, discussing and analysing different topics, and listening to various perspectives about a common mind-expanding topic, creating special bonds in the process of animated interactions! Sounds easy, engaging, and socially rewarding, doesn’t it?

Here, are some benefits of Adda-

Energized and Curious: Adda allows the creation of a vibrant community and is an ideal way to create bonds with others, discuss meaningful common topics, and reduce through this process, loneliness and alienation, something commonly faced by elderly members of society.  The power of Adda is therefore supreme, and is sure to enliven one’s life- keeps one entertained and gives people something to look forward to especially when they happen regularly! Adda involves a flow of conversation, moving from one topic to another, connecting all the dots as the conversation goes, and comes alive with arguments and counterarguments, where people evolve to a consensual point or may respectfully disagree with each other’s arguments. They invariably forge friendships and warm connections over time. There are usually no gender biases when you settle down on an Adda.

Unrestricted and Democratic: You may ask, what is the content in an Adda? You can talk about politics, life philosophies, pros and cons of various professions, books, plays, films, music, daily news, sports – everything and anything under the sun! A precursor for engaging in Adda is therefore, the need to form opinions and engage in cultural pursuits such as reading books, and films, perhaps even playing games together, or staying up to date with current events, which would allow one to gather content for Adda and also form opinions. To be ready to plunge into an Adda one has to have a bit of preparation to substantiate the arguments. And often interrogate, and challenge opposing views tabled in the Adda.

Adda is by nature democratic. There are no power equations nor any domineering attitude displayed. No hidden agenda. Nobody is allowed to carry their egos into an ‘Adda’.

This makes for an atmosphere of an ‘even playing field’ that itself induces such a liberating feeling.

In the past era, a retirement home would be called an Old Age Home which usually would be a dull, grim space. Thankfully the new generation of such residential facilities are highly modern, equipped with a wide range of senior-friendly features, and an atmosphere of youthful vibrancy.

Aumorto, located 40km from south Kolkata is such a new-age retirement residence for a community of elders of diverse backgrounds and offering best-in -class amenities, health support and security.  Perceived as one of the best senior homes in India, this facility has an enviable USP in the category – it offers various cultural dimensions catering to its residents through the year – such as an art gallery (Galerie la mere), regular dance and music performances on the premises, and a library with a wonderful collection of books. All this invariably gives you the impetus to gather content for your Adda! Moreover, lovely spaces for you to sit and engage in adda, including a café, and the surrounding lush green gardens.

So, residents of Aumorto come together often for the classical ‘Adda’.

The animated debates and free-flowing conversations keep the seniors hale and hearty.

The joy of senior living is to be found in Aumorto.

Unmistakably so.

Watching this remarkable feature of undiluted Adda at Aumorto, you would spontaneously say “This truly denotes remaining young forever!”

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