In a country that has made paying respect to our elders a part of our culture, World Senior Citizens Day only serves to highlight a common practice. In light of this celebration, Serendipity Out and About’s recent initiative to make the arts inclusive and accessible to all by conducting an expressive arts therapy workshop for seven old age homes across Goa is a wonderful example of honouring our elderly.
Serendipity Out and About’s outreach to the old age homes, marks a significant step in the Serendipity Arts Festival (SAF)’s ongoing efforts to integrate art into the lives of Goa’s elderly population, fostering well-being and enhancing community ties ahead of the recently observed World Senior Citizens Day, which is celebrated annually to increase awareness of the factors and issues that affect older adults, such as health deterioration and elder abuse.
The expressive arts therapy workshops, at Holy Spirit Home for the Aged in Moira, Sacred Heart of Jesus in Aldona, Amazing Grace Home for the Aged in Guirim, St. Joseph’s Home for the Aged in Calangute, Lar Santa Margarida in Divar, Mae de Deus Home for the Aged in Saligao, and Missionaries of Charity in Panaji, were led by Charvi Budhdeo, an expressive arts therapist who crafted the session specifically for the elderly. Budhdeo’s approach to expressive arts therapy involves using creative processes such as movement, visual arts, and music to help participants express themselves, stimulate cognitive functions, and improve overall well-being.
“Art must be accessible to everyone,” Budhdeo emphasised. “By sharing our skills with the local community, SAF reinforces the belief that art should be an inclusive experience.” She added that the therapeutic benefits of art are profound, particularly for the elderly. “It keeps them alert, active and enables them to think differently and connect with their inner child.”
Highlighting the freedom and throwback to childhood that the arts bring about, ‘Serendipity Out and About’ also directly engaged with children in five government schools and six orphanages across the state. Co-curators of Serendipity Out and About, Sananda Mukhopadhyaya and Quasar Thakore Padamsee, wanted to ensure that accessibility and inclusivity were at the forefront of the initiative.
“The ‘Serendipity Out and About’ programme is part of a broader initiative by SAF to engage with different segments of the Goan population, including residents of old age homes, orphanages, government schools, old Goan homes and community centres in Sanquelim, Calangute, Aldona, Moira, Tivim, Guirim, Saligao, Divar Island, Parra, Assagao, Bicholim, etc,” said Padamsee.
The upcoming Phase 2 of Serendipity Out and About, from September 12 to September 17, will see performances take place in old Goan homes and cafes across Goa.
