Lauren Gardner

Having a family member with early signs of dementia, I have noticed that music has become a huge part of her life. When music from her youth is played, an aura of happiness is created and fills her with joy and fond memories. As I was developing ideas for my gold project, I thought of my family member and other elderly people like her and how I could create an even happier atmosphere for them while they faced similar health. I was inspired to begin creating a dance program specifically for senior citizens who would benefit from integrating dance into their lives. In order to see this project come to fruition, hours of research will be needed, as well as establishing channels of sustainability, and creating outcome standards. 

In the hours I have invested researching neurological conditions, I have discovered that the brain waves in our brain are stimulated by melodic sound and pitch. As a result, this can positively affect the brain by changing the wave pattern which can help with focus, mood, and jog your memory of past events. In addition, movement joins in with melodic stimuli. There are numerous case studies proving movement has helped to reduce symptoms of Alzheimers, dementia, and other illnesses that affect the neurological health of the elderly.

My vision for the Gold Award includes partnering with active retirement homes to establish a music and movement program for all residents. The program will include one to two hours of dance class which will include stretching, choreographed movement, and upbeat music.  In addition, I would like to create a DVD collection for residents to use either weekly, in between sessions, or when I am absent. The DVDs will also guide volunteers and program staff in facilitating dances sessions.  Also the DVD set provides the sustainability needed in order to ensure this program continues.

In order to ensure a successful dance program, developing a sustainability plan is key. To achieve this, I will develop a partnership with my current dance academy, Chamberlain Performing Arts, by joining in with their outreach program. This will help to recruit volunteers with dance experience who would generously give their time working with the elderly. Volunteers would be trained and then rotate visiting the active retirement homes four to five times a month. This will not only ensure a pool of volunteers, but they will also be able to fulfill their community service hours for the school they are attending. The outreach program includes young boys and girls that have a passion for dance and that would gladly perform for our senior citizens to further lift their spirits. I also plan to collaborate with the African American Alliance program and the Catholic Charities Refugee Club at Ursuline Academy my current highschool, so girls can earn community hours through my program through these two clubs at Ursuline. 

Ultimately I would like this program to impact 100 senior citizens with neurological health impairments over a two-year period, but immediately impact all senior residents to provide physical wellness. I believe that with the time and research I have invested, combined with my implementation and sustainability plan, I will be able to create a program which changes the way we address geriatric health issues creatively and compassionately. My sincere desire is for this program to succeed and I am excited about partnering with the community to accomplish my goals.