Abstract

As we get older, no matter what our physical and cognitive abilities, each of us deserves a life worth living – a life that reflects who we are and engages us in ways we find meaningful. This keynote presents examples of how the I’m Still Here approach to implementing the arts, culture and design in the lives of those facing cognitive challenges enables them to have a life worth living.

The arts, including museums, creative arts, and musical and dance performances, are important contributors to a life worth living, as are the environments that support us. These include intimate environments that give us control over our lives and help us remember our accomplishments and families, environments we share with others that provide social support, and the many places in greater urban and rural environments that provide opportunities to be part of vibrant society. To spend the effort and time to achieve these goals requires a belief that arts and environment, as well as our efforts, will pay off – that they will make a difference.

Hope is the knowledge that you can make a difference. It takes more than wishful thinking. It takes a careful look at the evidence available. It takes not only a leap of faith but also personal experience. It takes neuroscience knowledge about how the brain employs environments in every mental action – from memory, to wayfinding, to learning. It takes an understanding of how our behaviours affect our genes and, thus, our ability to age well.

This keynote presents examples of how the I’m Still Here approach to implementing the arts, culture and design in the lives of those facing cognitive challenges enables them to have a life worth living.