Ageless interAction: The Art of Connection

Continued from page 13 help as many people as possible reevaluate that expectation from art that is “right” or “good” to art that is—to art that is organic, authentic and expressive.”

Indeed, the experience is not only transformative for the seniors, but also for those who volunteer. The monthly events take place in senior care facilities throughout the metro Atlanta area, and draw volunteers that range from high schoolers to middle aged adults. “For the younger people who participate, they say their perceptions of aging totally change from being negative to positive and that’s exciting because that’s part of the idea,” said Jain.

Another volunteer present at the December event was Brandon Garrett, who, like Mitchell, had been to several Ageless interAction events. “I love the energy,” said Garrett, whose own background in art gives him an added enthusiasm for working with the program. “There’s so much of a disconnect between youth and senior adults. It’s fun to be part of the connection.”

The future of Ageless interAction looks bright, with plenty of room for expansion. While no events are yet on the books for 2017 Jain anticipates that she will resume monthly events in the new year. With sights set high, Jain hopes to not only find a space to house her operations, but also to scale her concept into something that can be replicated in other cities across the US and beyond.