Aspenwood Brings World-Class Arts to Our Communities
A New Stage of Life, A New Stage for Learning
At The Aspenwood Company, we believe life should always be filled with opportunities to learn, create, and grow—no matter your age. This philosophy drives every detail of our communities, from daily engagement to our most innovative partnerships.
That’s why we are proud to announce our collaboration with the Juilliard Extension Program, a world-renowned leader in performing arts education. Through this partnership, Aspenwood residents now have access to courses in dance, drama, and music created by Juilliard faculty—delivered virtually, right from the comfort and safety of their home with us.
For families searching for a community that offers more than just care, this partnership represents something extraordinary: an environment where loved ones can continue to discover, create, and thrive.
Why the Arts Matter in Senior Living
When families consider senior living, their first concerns are often health, safety, and quality of care. At Aspenwood, those are a given. What makes us different is our commitment to enriching the whole person—body, mind, and spirit.
The arts play a powerful role in senior well-being. They stimulate the mind, lift the spirit, and bring people together. For older adults, this kind of engagement can have life-changing benefits:
Better health outcomes: The National Endowment for the Arts found that older adults who participate in arts programs have 55% fewer doctor visits and require less medication.
Stronger cognitive function: Studies show seniors who engage in creative pursuits experience a 47% slower rate of cognitive decline compared to those who don’t (Journal of Aging Studies).
Improved mood and reduced loneliness: Nearly 25% of adults over 65 struggle with isolation (CDC, 2023). Arts-based activities significantly lower the risk of depression and create opportunities for meaningful social connection.
For families, this means peace of mind—knowing their loved one is not only safe and cared for, but also happy, engaged, and inspired.
The Juilliard Extension Experience
Juilliard Extension courses are designed for learners of all ages and experience levels, so every Aspenwood resident has a pathway to explore the arts.
Available options include:
Music Appreciation & History – Explore great composers, genres like jazz and opera, or the history of Broadway.
Practical Lessons – Learn piano, vocal technique, or music theory in approachable, beginner-friendly formats.
Drama & Theater Studies – Understand the craft of storytelling, acting, and playwriting.
Dance & Movement – Gentle explorations of choreography and the history of dance, with activities adapted for seniors.
Because courses are delivered online, residents can participate without transportation challenges or scheduling barriers. Learning happens right in the community—with access to the same caliber of instruction that draws students worldwide to Juilliard.
Benefits for Your Loved One
1. Mental Vitality
The arts engage multiple areas of the brain at once. Learning music, acting in a scene, or studying choreography requires focus, memory, and problem-solving. Research shows that these activities help:
Improve recall and concentration.
Strengthen executive function.
Delay or reduce cognitive decline.
For families concerned about memory health, this partnership provides meaningful stimulation that goes far beyond typical activities.
2. Emotional Well-Being
Transitioning into senior living can be a big change, and families want reassurance that their loved one will feel at home. Participating in the arts offers:
A sense of joy and purpose.
Opportunities for self-expression.
Reduced stress and anxiety through music and movement.
The act of mastering something new—even at age 70, 80, or 90—creates pride and fulfillment that uplifts daily life.
3. Social Connection
Families often ask, “Will Mom or Dad make friends here?” With Juilliard Extension, the answer is yes.
Group classes and shared discussions naturally encourage connection. Whether residents are comparing notes on a composer or rehearsing a short performance, the arts bring people together in ways that foster friendship and belonging.
This combats isolation, which has been linked to a 50% increased risk of dementia and a 29% higher risk of early death (CDC). With Juilliard courses as a foundation, Aspenwood communities create moments of shared joy and collective learning every week.
4. Physical Health
The arts also contribute to physical wellness:
Dance improves balance and strength, lowering the risk of falls.
Singing enhances lung function, especially valuable for residents with respiratory conditions.
Playing instruments supports dexterity and fine motor skills.
Families can feel confident knowing their loved one is staying active in safe, supportive ways that also spark creativity.
Why Aspenwood and Juilliard Make the Perfect Pair
Choosing a senior living community is about more than finding a safe place—it’s about finding the right place. Aspenwood’s partnership with Juilliard reflects a philosophy families can trust:
Excellence matters: Just as you want the best care team, you want the best opportunities for engagement. Juilliard’s global reputation ensures unmatched quality.
Learning never stops: We believe personal growth doesn’t end at retirement—it simply takes new forms.
Innovation drives us: Families can feel confident knowing Aspenwood invests in cutting-edge partnerships that go beyond traditional activities.
This commitment to lifelong enrichment positions Aspenwood as a leader in redefining senior living—not just as care, but as a place where life continues to expand.
The Family Advantage: Why This Partnership Matters to You
When you choose a community for a loved one, you are looking for assurance in three key areas:
Health and Safety – Will they be cared for?
Happiness and Fulfillment – Will they feel engaged and purposeful?
Trust and Quality – Is this community committed to excellence?
The Juilliard Extension partnership speaks directly to all three:
Health is supported through the cognitive, emotional, and physical benefits of the arts.
Happiness flourishes as residents rediscover passions, make friends, and gain confidence.
Trust is reinforced through Aspenwood’s willingness to partner with the most respected performing arts institution in the world.
For families, this means peace of mind. You know your loved one will not only be safe but will also continue to grow, create, and live fully.
The Bigger Picture: Redefining Aging
This partnership also reflects a larger cultural shift. Aging today is not about decline—it’s about possibility.
AARP reports that 73% of older adults say learning new things gives them a strong sense of purpose.
Seniors engaged in lifelong learning are more likely to report feeling optimistic, energetic, and socially connected.
Communities that prioritize enrichment see higher resident satisfaction and family confidence.
By bringing Juilliard into our communities, Aspenwood is helping redefine what it means to age with dignity, vitality, and creativity.
A Community Where Learning Never Stops
At The Aspenwood Company, we are dedicated to building communities where residents don’t just live—they thrive. Our partnership with Juilliard Extension is an extension of that mission, ensuring that every resident has access to enriching opportunities that elevate daily life.
Families can feel confident knowing that with Aspenwood, their loved one will have:
Continuous opportunities for mental and creative engagement.
A community of peers learning and growing together.
Access to world-class education that inspires joy and curiosity.
A lifestyle centered on wellness, dignity, and enrichment.
No matter the age or experience, it is never too late to learn something new, find joy in the arts, and keep the spirit energized. With Juilliard Extension, the stage is set for a future full of creativity, connection, and inspiration at The Aspenwood Company.
Written by – Christina O’Leary