In addition, seniors who exercise suffer fewer falls, less depression, and reduced pain, according to a report in the March 2000 issue of the Journal of the American Geriatric Society. Many seniors have some kind of health condition that requires medications or doctor visits. Even very frail people in nursing homes feel better after singing and moving. Before considering such a move, however, your doctor must be consulted, says McDonough. The Human Touch Seniors say that the greatest benefits of theater-based activities are the improved interpersonal connections, especially since many live alone.
Social bonds develop among people working together as a group.
Being in a theater troupe makes you feel needed. And hearing an audience applaud, of course, is a great thrill and morale booster. Sometimes senior theater can even break down stereotypes and lead to intergenerational understanding and friendship. At the University of Nevada, seniors perform with college students. The older actors say it invigorates them to work with the younger folks, says McDonough, who has seen the senior theater program grow from just 18 people 10 years ago to 87 now.