As we say goodbye to the unforgettable 2020 that has been particularly difficult for the elderly, this new year is the perfect time to give the seniors in your lives the gift of joy, companionship & self-expression through the #MonsterArts for Seniors program. The program provides the elderly with stimulating, professionally-led arts workshops in English, Hindi, Punjabi, Gujarati, Tamil and more to reduce feelings of isolation. Seniors enjoy South Asian culture through free online workshops in Bollywood dance, Hindi and Tamil music, poetry, painting, and more. 

The Sheridan Centre for Elder Research says that over ⅓ of South Asian seniors in Peel feel isolated and are at risk for depression, and there’s a lack of ethnic-specific programs for them to create meaningful connections. Such programs are especially relevant now that seniors have been physically isolated for an extended period due to COVID-19. #MonsterArts for Seniors, offered by MonstrARTity, a not-for-profit organization in Mississauga, fills gaps in cultural and language-specific services for seniors in the community. The program has been received exceptionally well, and participants from various community organizations like Shubh Helping Hands, Vaishno Devi Temple Seniors Group and many others across the province have expressed their appreciation for the program that helps reduce their feelings of isolation. “Not being able to see our children and grandchildren and of course, our friends and family could have been extremely [bad]. Thanks to you all, I, for one, have so much to look forward to every week”, said one participant, while another said, “Thank you so much to the whole team for arranging these wonderful workshops for us during these tough and lonely times of pandemic.  You all bring so much cheers in our lives.” 

47% of South Asian seniors MonstrARTity surveyed stated that they only talk to people face-to-face every week or less. Through this program, seniors reconnect with their peers through interactive virtual workshops led by experienced artists. “It keeps me occupied, and my brain remains active, which helps to be away from depression,” expressed one participant, and said another, “It was great that we are involved virtually and doing some activity at home rather than going outside in these weird times”

If you’re 65+ or affiliated with a seniors’ group in the Greater Toronto Area or if you'd like to enroll your parents/ granparents in the FREE #MonsterArts for Seniors program, please visit: monsterarts.ca/seniors

MonstrARTity will also provide special art kits and technical requirements to seniors within the Peel Region on a first-come, first-serve basis, and support needed to ensure the program is accessible at no cost to seniors and seniors’ groups who request it.