In this inspiring episode of Answers for Elders, Suzanne Newman returns to Chateau Retirement to explore the deeper meaning of creative aging with SilverKite’s Creative Aging Programs Manager, Mollia Jensen, and their founder and CEO Jennifer Kulik. Together, they dive into how SilverKite’s workshops, series, and intergenerational programs help older adults reconnect with creativity, emotional expression, and lifelong learning. From in-person classes to online experiences and community partnerships, SilverKite is redefining how seniors stay engaged, connected, and joyful.

Mollia shares powerful insights from her 30+-year journey in the arts and creative aging field—beginning with her AmeriCorps work in memory care, where she used music and expressive arts to build meaningful connections. She explains how creative practices like painting, dance, writing, and mindfulness aren’t just hobbies—they awaken forgotten skills, support brain health, and help older adults tap into parts of themselves that may have been suppressed by years of structure or career routines. Whether through a single workshop or a six-week series, SilverKite programs create safe, playful, and growth-oriented environments for adults at every stage of aging.

Listeners will also discover how SilverKite’s teaching artists collaborate with communities like Chateau Retirement to deliver experiences that strengthen social connection, encourage personal expression, and invite residents to explore creativity in everyday life. From expressive dance to DIY art projects to mindfulness-based sessions, these programs help seniors feel seen, supported, and inspired. If you're interested in how creativity enhances healthy aging—or you want to know what new residents can expect when they join a SilverKite-connected community—this episode offers heartfelt stories, surprising research, and practical examples of the power of creative play.

For the past 30+ years Jennifer Kulik has designed and facilitated intergenerational arts, arts for youth, and arts for older adults programs for retirement communities, schools, theatre companies, and social service organizations. Jen holds a Ph.D. in Theatre for Young Audiences from Arizona State University and an M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Washington. In 2012, she was awarded a Fulbright Distinguished Award in Teaching fellowship to travel to Singapore. She received the Joseph F. Wall Service Award from Grinnell College in 2018. Jen presents at conferences worldwide.

Mollia Jensen has been a teaching artist for over 30 years. With roots in the theatre and wings in dance and writing, her path has engaged in leading programming with several arts, educational, community organizations and local creative classes. Mollia loves sharing moments of alchemy with others whether in a creative coaching session, in written words on the page, playing with swirling watercolors, or on the dance floor. She has an MFA in Writing from Pacific University.

Chateau Retirement provides independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. They have been locally owned and family operated for more than 25 years. Chateau Retirement has three communities in Washington's Seattle/Puget Sound area: Chateau Pacific in Lynnwood, Bothell Landing in Bothell, and Chateau Valley Center in Renton. Visit them online or call 800.960.1944. Visit Chateau's specialist page on Answers for Elders.

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Mentioned in this episode:

Chateau Retirement

Chateau Retirement