"Stay curious. That is a longevity strategy. Stay curious about your surroundings, about the world, about yourself. Stay curious." - Patrick Roden

On our podcast – At Home, On Air – we continue our mini-series, Changemaker Interviews, where we highlight the impact of changemakers on the quality of our lives. These individuals have challenged and changed systems, introduced new ways of thinking and told previously untold stories.

In the fourth installment of the series, we're joined by Patrick Roden, RN, Ph.D., a passionate advocate for aging-in-place whose unique journey spans over 40 years as a nurse, gerontologist, and creative aging champion.

The conversation, hosted by Susanne Stadler, contrasts Historical Gerontology's decline-focused perspective with Critical Gerontology's view of lifelong development. Patrick shares his concept of 'Possibility Aging,' highlighting how divergent thinking and creativity enhance the aging process. He discusses insights from his dissertation research, where he interviewed older artists who adapted their creative processes to overcome physical limitations, documenting the remarkable physical, cognitive, and emotional benefits of sustained creative practice.

Patrick presents his evidence-informed 'formula' for healthy aging that places creativity at its core and explains how beauty and artistic expression become powerful tools for wellbeing in later years. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of environmental delight and strategies like volunteering and staying curious to maintain purpose in later life. Audience questions address applying these principles across different arts and finding meaning in aging, even without an artistic background.

This episode offers an inspiring perspective on aging not as decline but as an opportunity for continued growth, meaning, and joy through creative engagement. We hope Patrick's insights will encourage you to embrace creativity as a pathway to vibrant aging in your own home, life, and community!

At Home With Growing Older is proud to be your host of At Home, On Air a radio hour offering connection, community and knowledge to our participants remotely. We invite you to listen and learn from this episode of At Home, On Air.

Transcript: https://share.descript.com/view/p15edwSOJOy 

Takeaway Resources: https://athomewithgrowingold.com/2025/01/31/at-home-on-air-a-conversation-with-patrick-roden/ (Including the handout mentioned by Patrick).

Learn more, support our work, and register for the next LIVE episode of At Home, On Air: www.athomewithgrowingolder.org.

At Home, On Air

The Creativity Effect in Healthy Aging: Lifelong Artistic Practice and Beauty | A Conversation with Patrick Roden

The Creativity Effect in Healthy Aging: Lifelong Artistic Practice and Beauty

Our mission is to educate, inspire and connect people across generations and disciplines to re-envision and improve the experiences of later life.

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