Lecture Series To Focus On Aging On The East End

Southampton-based Artful Home Care is introducing a new Art for Health lecture series this May. Moderated by Beth McNeill-Muhs, Looking Forward to Aging on the East End will explore ways to maintain well-being, as well as enhance quality of life as we get older.

“Our goal with our art for health initiative is to bring to light programs and opportunities for those who are looking to maintain and improve their quality of life here on the East End,” Beth McNeill-Muhs, Artful Home Care, Inc. Founder, noted.

The first discussion will take place at Southampton Arts Center on Saturday, May 11 from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

“The discussion will highlight individual personal experiences, professional services, as well as alternative tools that one may engage in,” McNeill-Muhs said. “The overall intention is to improve the physical, emotional, spiritual as social well-being of our community. This can be accomplished when goals are aligned and communication is open and clear.”

Panelists will include Linda Ford Blaikie (Ayers), Nurse Psychologist, Social Worker, Writer; Gary Wayne Osbourne, MFA, MAT and Life Coach; Gail Baranello, Dancer, Co-Owner of A&G Dance Company and founder of Moving Through workshops; Bob Schwarz, Artist, family Caregiver, and Author of Who is That Old Fart in the Mirror?; Nicole MacCallum, CNA and Senior Caregiver; and Zoe Kamitses, ARF Board Member and Pet Therapy Advocate.

“We look forward to creating an ongoing dialogue with the community about how we can all look forward to aging here on the East End,” she shared. “There are many resources available. We all have individual needs. These discussions will provide an opportunity for our community to learn about successful aging.”

Each lecture will feature a mix of local health care professionals and community members that utilize the creative arts or other unconventional measures as a method of healing and wellness, such as top nutritionists, psychologists, wellness organizations, art therapists, music therapists, pet therapy advocates, life coaches, caregivers, end of life doula’s, writers, artists and more.

“We all want to age gracefully and successfully. We seek quality of life. Our goals are to be healthy and vibrant,” she added. “So now we ask ourselves, what can we do to achieve these goals?”

Admission to the event is free and there will be light refreshments donated by Golden Pear.

The second lecture will take place at Guild Hall in East Hampton on June 8.

Southampton Arts Center is located at 25 Jobs Lane in Southampton. For more information, visit www.artfulhomecare.net.