"Creativity in Later Life," a UVM conference on June 27 and 28, is dedicated to refuting the old saw about old dogs and new tricks. Lead by Dr. Gene Cohen, a national expert on creativity and aging, a slate of university professors and working artists will offer workshops showing how old age can start and/or expand a person's connection to poetry, movement, music, photography, drawing , and drama – how you can wake up dormant areas of your brain that you have seldom used or didn't even know existed..

"Be prepared to witness the dismantling of a number of a number of long-held negative myths and stereotypes about aging," Cohen says. Contrary to the assumptions about old dogs and their learning difficulties, he says that research on aging has identified positive brain and behavioral changes in the second half of life that set the stage for psychological growth and creative expression. These occur not despite aging but because of aging. At its simplest level, old folks have more time to explore new things, and they are less likely to fear judgment by others.

The conference has been organized by UVM's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, established in 2002 to bring affordable courses and programs for older learners in eight regions across the state. "The creativity conference lines up with what Osher is about," says Deb Worthley, director. "There are so many stereotypes about aging out there – people putting old folks into little pockets. Both the Osher Institute and the creativity conference promote the possibilities in aging, the freedom to imagine doing something different, adding another dimension to your life, recognizing your potential in different fields, basically having fun."

If you were labeled a "non-singer" or a  "poor drawer" at six years old, believed it and never tried singing or drawing again, it may be time to review their potential pleasures and excitement. "Drawing is a learned skill," says Linda McIntyre, chair of UVM's department of Art and Art History. "If you have normal intelligence, you can draw. People think that if they're not remarkable, if they're not Michelangelo, they can't do it. Wrong!"

In her conference workshop, McIntyre will discuss how to look at objects carefully, draw what you see, not what you know, suspend your judgment, and explore the edges of objects. "Every time you draw something, take a fresh look," she says. "Each time, your drawing will be a bit different. Abandon yourself to the honesty of your perception. Let out the clutch and have fun."

Toby Fulwiler, retired professor of English, is intrigued by the way casual hobbies can become serious passions. A wordsmith all of his life, he dabbled in woodworking – building bookshelves and tables. But when he inherited a lathe from his father,  he found a serious art in turning bowls."  The pleasure I get from changing head work to hand work has been an amazing surprise," he says. "It's fascinating to turn all of your creative energy into another discipline, enjoy the differences and relish the similarities in how an essay and a bowl is created." In his workshop, Fulwiler will have people consider their casual hobbies and what's stopping them from going further and enjoying a passion.

Barbara Jordan, well-known local exercise trainer and wellness counselor of older adults, is interested in the mind-body-spirit connection,  how to conquer negative feelings about your abilities, how "thinking creates your experience of life." In her workshop, she will explore ways to avoid getting stuck in "I can't"

Daniel Lusk and Angela Patton, poets and writing teachers at UVM, are interested in a major resource available to older people – their wealth of experience and memory as fodder for writing poetry. "Nothing is wasted," says Lusk. "Whatever you have experienced you can convey in a "magical" way as a poem." They will discuss how poems are made and how to turn your experience into a meaningful experience for a reader.

Herb Leff, retired professor of Psychology at UVM, has been interested in the psychological processes of making art for many years – especially the effects  of regarding everyday activities as art forms. What happens if you think of getting dressed as an art form? You may pay more attention to your movements, consider changes in your clothing, treat mistakes as opportunities, and essentially be more mindful of what you are doing. In his workshop, Leff will discuss ways you can practice seeing the world differently – perhaps from a spider's point of view. "Open your eyes to possibilities," he says.    

More Information:

To register for "Creativity in Later Life," go to the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute website, or call  800-639-3210 or 802-656-4220. The $100 registration fee includes workshops and the keynote address on Friday, and workshops and lunch on Saturday. Dinner on Friday evening is available for an additional fee.

Key Note Speaker: Dr. Gene Cohen, director of George Washington University's Center on Aging, Health, and Humanities will discuss "Creative Potential, Psychological Growth, and Positive Brain Changes With Aging." Friday, June 27, 7 pm in the Southwick Hall/Music Building's Recital Hall off South Prospect Street. Free and open to the public. No conference registration needed. Click here for more information on Gene Cohen.

Barbara Leitenberg writes on senior issues for the Champlain Valley Agency on Aging. This article originally appeared in the Burlington Free Press.