Baycrest Health Sciences & Baycrest Foundation Publications
Issue link: http://baycrest.uberflip.com/i/1228161
"Being able to partner with museums such as the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery of Ontario and tap into their repertoire of artwork gives the user unique access to content that they would otherwise have to travel thousands of miles to see. This way, the user is able to benefit from interacting with the art right at home," adds Altschuler. According to a study from the Pew Research Centre, about one in three older adults already plays games online every day. Imagine if apps being accessed by older adults were not only based in entertainment, but beneficial for their brain health as well. With more than 564,000 Canadians currently living with some form of dementia, and that number expected to rise to 937,000 in 15 years, apps based on improving brain health could help make a real difference. While dementia is not an inevitable part of aging, age is the most important risk factor. "Research shows that arts-based recreation has positive health outcomes, such as enhanced well-being and a reduced risk of dementia," says Dr. Kelly Murphy, a psychologist at Baycrest and co-creator of ArtontheBrain. "The app is designed to have the same positive health impacts as face-to-face recreation programs currently available for older adults, while breaking down barriers such as lack of transportation, sensory loss and mobility issues. The outcome aims of this tool are to help promote aging well in place, which can translate to measurable savings for the health economy." ArtontheBrain aims to be a solution that healthcare professionals can "prescribe" to patients, including those with cognitive decline, as a non-pharmacological intervention to promote brain health and wellness. The user benefits from the ability to build leisure capacity, stay connected, keep cognitively engaged and age well. You can learn more about ArtontheBrain and try the app by visiting baycrest.org/tryartonthebrain. Aviva Altschuler Dr. Kelly Murphy BrainMatters SPRING|SUMMER 2020 9