Have you ever heard retired people say, “I don’t know how I ever found time to work”? Today’s older adults are busy, active and engaged in their communities. Whatever your interests, you can find local organizations and clubs that offer appealing activities. Retirees and empty nesters benefit from socializing, learning, contributing to the community, and just plain having fun!

For me and my husband, all the arts, especially theatre, are important. Over the years, we have done everything from acting on stage to helping backstage, running and attending writing workshops, taking arts-related college and university courses, writing plays, and even having a play we co-wrote performed. We attend concerts, juried art shows, comedy performances … you name it!

Belonging to an arts organization brings creative satisfaction and friendship that come from the magic of like-minded people getting together for a common purpose. To move an audience to laughter, tears and/or inspired thinking is a unique feeling shared by actors, visual artists, musicians, sculptors, writers … you get the artistic picture.

Here are just a few suggestions for artsy-fartsy older folks across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Theatre and Cinema

One of the most loved of the performing arts is theatre, and community theatre is alive and well! Think about the possibilities: sewing costumes, helping with advertising and programs, organizing props, doing make-up, dancing, singing, acting … phew! It takes a community to put on a play, and older participants are always welcome.

Before COVID hit, my hubby and I took active roles in “uxperience,” a musical variety program put on by volunteers in Uxbridge, Ontario, to raise money for charity. We helped to write and perform comedy skits and generally had a blast. Some of the other members of a certain age even learned to tap dance for the performances.

Another group that welcomes older adult volunteers for both onstage and backstage work is OnStage Uxbridge (www.onstageuxbridge.com/) — the only registered charitable theatre organization in Uxbridge producing musicals and plays.

Currently, we’re involved with Theatre on the Ridge (https://theatreontheridge.ca/), a Port Perry-based, not-for-profit, professional, collaborative company that offers exciting opportunities for all ages. According to Carey Nicholson, Artistic Director at Theatre on the Ridge, “Through the support of federal and provincial grants, Theatre on the Ridge offers the over-65 crowd diverse opportunities to connect socially with others for ongoing health and well-being. Through engagement and outreach activities, participants experience a variety of theatre-based activities, such as acting lessons, attending plays and discussion groups, and workshops on playwriting, costuming, sound design and more. Activities encourage engagement with theatre on a deeper level, expanding the ways participants interact with live theatre as active creators, patrons and volunteers.”

Years ago, longtime Uxbridge residents Kathy and Mike Bridgeman started Ryleepuss Productions, a community-based theatre company. The ever-imaginative Bridgemans tackled the spectrum of stage plays, from “Jesus Christ Superstar” to “Mamma Mia” and “Beauty and the Beast.” Not content to limit his theatrical brilliance to plays and appearing in movies as an extra, Mike recently formed a film production company called HENMIKSHA Productions with friends Henkelina Mick and Shannyn Kelly Dalby. Mike says, “We’re all in the film/TV/theatre industry, and we’ve combined our know-how to start this company. Some in the industry may accept ‘aging out,’ but not us! We’re going strong.”

Music

Local concert bands and orchestras are always looking for new members, and seniors bring valuable experience to their harmonies. Maybe it’s time to dust off that clarinet or sax and brush up on your scales. And how about singing somewhere other than in the shower? Choruses, musicals and choirs are continually welcoming new voices.

According to retired teacher Cyndie Jacobs, who conducts the music for Uxbridge-area musicals, “Older adults who have experience playing an instrument add a lot to an ensemble, not to mention how good music is for EVERYONE as we age! For seniors, all the arts provide a wonderful and safe way to express ourselves. And most importantly, participation in the arts builds community. Music brings us joy, no matter what our age!”

If you live more toward the west end of the GTA, consider the Peel Choral Society’s PCS Singers Brampton, which for the past quarter century has provided opportunities for anyone who finds joy in singing. Brampton’s original community choir, this group welcomes all levels of singers aged 18 years and older, contributing to the dynamic arts and culture scene in Peel Region (https://www.peelchoral.ca/).

A little googling can help you discover more musical opportunities in Toronto and the GTA.

Literature

I taught creative writing at the college level for many years. Most of my students were in the 45+ age bracket, with many of them being over 65. Their life experiences formed tapestries they wove into fascinating fiction, nonfiction and poetry. Some went on to start freelancing businesses, get published in commercial and literary magazines, have books published, etc. For some reason, they had always wanted to write, but put it off while life got in the way. I understand, because I took a creative writing college course at age 41, and it launched my career.

Here are a few links to writers’ organizations in Toronto and the GTA. Check with your local library as well to find groups of interest.

• Etobicoke – Writers and Editors Network (Wenetwork.ca)
• Newmarket – The Writers’ Community of York Region (wcyork.ca/)
• Whitby – The Writers’ Community of Durham Region (wcdr.info)
• Writers Collective of Canada (https://wcc-cec.org/)

Visual Arts

Painters, sculptors, photographers and others who love to work with their hands can explore arts and crafts shows, juried art shows, classes and more. Artists of Uxbridge (https://artistsofuxbridge.com/), for example, welcomes anyone who would like to join the group twice a month to paint and learn. The group also takes part in challenges and art shows.

Education

Lifelong learning is a critical component of aging well, whether you are changing or advancing your career, or you are retired and looking at post-secondary education for enjoyment. Most colleges and universities offer education programs and discounts for older adults. Last year, at 72 years of age, my husband earned a Graduate Certificate in Playwriting from Humber College. He was proud to be the only student at graduation with grey hair!

• The University of Toronto, for example, offers qualified students over the age of 65 an exemption on compulsory non-academic incidental fees (https://studentaccount.utoronto.ca/tuition-fees/persons-over-65-fee-exemption/).
• York University students over the age of 60 who are enrolled in University degree credit courses can apply to have some or all of their academic fees waived (https://registrar.yorku.ca/index.php/requirements/mature).
• At Toronto Metropolitan University, The Chang School of Continuing Education provides numerous opportunities for the 50+ academic crowd (https://continuing.torontomu.ca/).
• Mature learners at Durham College (https://www.durhamcollege.ca/info-for/future-students/mature-learners) are welcome to select from more than 145 programs taught by industry experts on two amazing campuses.
• At Humber College (https://www.humber.ca/future-students/guide-to-humber/transfer-mature-students.html), you can pursue graduate certificates or earn a 4-year Bachelor’s Degree. Ask about the senior discount. You may be surprised. My husband was when he completed a graduate program in Playwriting.

As I mentioned, this article covers just a few of the possibilities for engaging older adults in creativity, education and fun. Whatever your age, get involved and live your artistic passions with other like-minded artsy-fartsies!

Dorothea Helms is an award-winning writer of a certain age who has had non-fiction, fiction and poetry published. She is inspired by her family and her dog.