On Sunday August 19, Via brings the internationally acclaimed Young@Heart Chorus to Boulder for a concert at Chautauqua Auditorium. This is not just another fundraising event. Via is hosting Young@Heart to convey a message of hope and of healthy, joyful aging.
Boulder County is aging faster than Colorado as a whole. In 2000, the age 60 and over population accounted for a little over 10 percent of the total county population; by 2030, that number will almost triple. The rapid growth of older people in Boulder County will present new challenges to create communities that age well.
Another trend we see is societal ageism. This is manifested in underestimating older adults and therefore disempowering them. Some older adults feel that their communities don’t appreciate their contributions to the fabric of life; and that a stigma exists toward those who need and receive services to help them age well. Our charge is to combat ageism and help point out the strengths of older adults and positive impacts of an aging population.
This is the message that the Young@Heart Chorus communicates with their joyful performance. Their songs are chosen to impart a powerful message. Young@Heart is no kitschy group of old people singing popular rock music. Young@Heart is for anyone who aspires to ensure opportunities for engagement across all generations. And loves music!
Young@Heart Chorus first came to Boulder in 2009. For those of us who met the 40-member troupe at the airport, our initial reaction when seeing them come up the escalators with walkers, wheelchairs and canes was “What have we done?” (Indeed the performance contract requires 24-hour doctor availability.) But on stage, they are transformed by the music and the joy of entertaining, thereby creating an ageless transformation for everyone in the audience.
Our inspiration for creating a community that ages well is quite simple: Older Adults Rock! Join us August 19, 2012. Tickets are still available here.
How are you staying Forever Young? Tell us your brief story by noon on Aug. 17 for a chance to win a pair of VIP tickets to Young@Heart’s Aug. 19 performance at Chautauqua. Three random winners will be chosen. Feel free to include a picture or a short video with your story. Send to eventintern@viacolorado.org.