How Music Can Combat Isolation and Loneliness for Older Adults | Russ Grazier, Jr. | TEDxPortsmouth

More older adults are finding themselves socially isolated than ever before, especially in the United States where the aging population is growing at an unprecedented rate. Musician Russ Grazier Jr., drawing from his experience as the director of a New Horizons Band, shares how amateur music ensembles can become close-knit communities, providing an antidote to loneliness and relief from the negative outcomes often associated with social isolation. Grazier encourages people to find their creative community, regardless of the artistic medium, because being creative in community, especially later in life, can help us live longer, happier, and healthier lives. A native of Portsmouth, Russ Grazier, Jr. co-founded Portsmouth Music and Arts Center with his wife, Katie, in 2002. Russ has taught music at Boston Conservatory, the University of Chicago College, and the New England Conservatory Preparatory School. His original compositions have been performed by the Contemporary Chamber Players of Chicago, the West End String Quartet, Voices from the Heart, and many others. Russ was named 2016 Arts Advocate of the Year by New Hampshire Citizens for the Arts and currently co-chairs the Portsmouth Arts and Nonprofits Committee. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx