【Notice】JSPS Alumni Association of the Philippines (JAAP) is organizing the 6th lecture of WEBINAR SERIES 2021 “LIVING IN THE NEW NORMAL AND BEYOND”

JSPS Alumni Association of the Philippines (JAAP) is organizing the 6th lecture of WEBINAR SERIES 2021 “LIVING IN THE NEW NORMAL AND BEYOND” in partnership with Japan Society for the Promotion of Science and the Central Luzon Research and Development Consortium.

(Time & Date)
June 26th (Saturday), 2021
14:00-16:00 (Philippines time)

(Lecture Title)
Arts on Prescription: Pathways to Wellbeing and Dementia Care

(Lecturer)
Herb L. Fondevilla, PhD
Institute of Island Studies,
Meiji University

To register, please visit;
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEqd-morD0jG9VQl5UjwMMCv1khHEKvMWih

(Abstract of the Lecture)
In Japan, it is estimated that the societal costs for supporting persons with dementia is up to ¥14.5 trillion yen and would reach up to ¥24.3 trillion by the year 2060. Beset with an aging population and declining birth rate, interventions to assuage these costs need to be discussed, considered, and implemented. However, one of the biggest hurdles to discussion about dementia, especially in Asian cultures is that it is hardly understood, and often kept a secret from family and friends who could help alleviate the stress of taking care of a parent or relative living with dementia. As there is currently no cure for dementia and medication is limited, I would like to talk about my observations and experiences in using the arts as a form of creative intervention. There is growing evidence that participation in the arts whether arts, dance, music, or writing can have positive impacts on persons living with dementia. Some of these benefits include positive emotional responses, less anxiety, greater social interaction, increased verbal fluency and physical mobility, better mood, and attention span all of which relate to having a better Quality of Life (QoL). Based on my research that is currently being funded by KAKENHI, I will offer preliminary considerations on how these programs can be adapted to suit the cultural and social life of a community, especially those who are marginalized by ill health and life opportunities.