The Plant Home and The Chocolate Church Arts Center have joined forces to better connect elderly residents with cultural arts experiences. Both facilities are located on Washington Street in Bath.

“The agreement begins with providing season passes for our residents to performances that are only a mile down the street,” said Don Capoldo, executive director of The Plant Home. “We will also collaborate by hosting entertainment produced by the Chocolate Church here on our 30-acre campus.”

Maine is the oldest state, by population, in the country. According to Capoldo, this presents a significant opportunity for arts engagement going forward between the two entities.

The Chocolate Church will schedule elder focused entertainment events, such as live theater or a variety show that conjure memories of the golden age of entertainment.

“Together we will reduce barriers that may prevent seniors from engaging in the cultural arts,” said Jennifer DeChant, executive director of Chocolate Church Arts Center. “The Plant Home’s 12-passenger bus will transport its residents. And, as space on the bus permits, other seniors in Bath may ride to and from The Chocolate Church.”

A 2006 study that followed 300 adults aged 65 and older for two years, “The Creativity and Aging Study,” was published by The George Washington University in collaboration with the National Endowment for the Arts.

DeChant noted that research revealed that “elderly participants who engage in meaningful arts programs show significant gains in health and quality of life.”

Such a partnership has been one of the objectives of DeChant and the Chocolate Church's board of directors since earlier this year. Satellite programming around the Bath area for the elderly, students, and others in the community, interested in experiencing their creative natures, is another facet of the arts center's diversification plans.

The Plant Home, one of Maine’s premier assisted living homes, is located at 1 Washington Street and the Chocolate Church Arts Center at 804 Washington.

For more information, contact DeChant at 207-442-8455.