"There's all the difference in the world between having something to say, and having to say something."
- John Dewey
Real World Problems. Theatre Inspired Solutions.
In partnership with the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation and Generations United, the artists of Limelight, LLC. are crafting a new performance aimed at raising awareness about the unique experience of being a Solo Ager. This performance highlights individual experiences from 18 culturally, economically and racially distinct solo agers interviewed across Southeast, MI and Western, NY that speak to the collective experience of this growing population.
But, but I guess we all want to be connected to people, you know, nobody wants to be by themselves. But you have those who choose, who want to be by themself. You have to respect that too, you know.
- ‘Bob’, a solo ager
According to the Pew Research Center, more than 25% of adults 60 years of age and older are considered Solo Agers and that number is only expected to rise. As it does, we hope the Solo Acts will help illuminate unique individual and collective experiences and in doing so assist caregivers, faith leaders, non-profit directors, policy makers, philanthropy and solo agers. In our performance we explore the following the concepts:
SOLOtude
Who are solo agers? How does one come to be a solo ager? What circumstances contribute to people aging alone?
Social Fabric / Connections & Disconnections
How do solo agers build and maintain social connections? What impact has the pandemic had on those connections? What connections are missing?
Daily Life:
The ups and downs
What are the methods solo agers use for structure in their daily lives? What role do routines play in the lives of solo agers?
Dreams, Growth & Learning in Late Life
What do solo agers dream about? What growth does aging alone provide? What lessons are learned from living the life of a solo ager?
Health
How does one navigate healthcare when they are aging alone? What barriers and bridges exist for solo agers?
Solo Acts: A Theatrical Compilation on Solo Aging is a generative performance designed to catalyze dialogue, raise awareness, and affirm the experience of solo agers. Each show is followed up by a dialogue/discussion based on the intended audience and/or organization/event.
Who is Solo Acts for?
Communities
Solo Agers
Social Service Organizations
Philanthropy
Policy Makers
People.
Interested in Solo Acts? Contact us at: info@limelightlive.org
Click the logo to learn more about Generations United
Click the logo to learn more about the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation
