What have I gotten myself into? I’m not an art therapist, I’m not an art teacher, all I am is my 93 year old mother-in-law’s daughter-in-law and 95-year-old father-in-law who wanted me to spend some time crafting with his fellow residents. Surrounded by rollaway beds and walkers and bright-eyed, anxious seniors at the ‘Age Care Facility’, I was about to introduce these ‘students’ to a new way of coloring (or rather an old way revisited).

The average age of these artists was 86 years and their ages ranged from 81 to 103 years. They were all determined to play an active role in making their home live with the passion that only the Melbourne Cup can inspire in Australian citizens. Age is not a barrier when it comes to ‘Stopping a Nation’ because of this horse race.

The call was for a large mural decorated with racing colours, fashion and top hats and of course THE cup. The iconic yellow roses associated with Flemington Race Couse were also to be included.

The residents were given their pick of hats to choose from first and then the riot started as they each competed to make theirs the best. Arthritic fingers sprinkled shadow powder on their hats and began to color and I might add that they compete with each other to make stunning creations. The men opted for top hats and gleefully put their own twists on them as well. A flower at a sloping angle, a bright band around the top, or shades of gray that blend together to almost cause a textured look.

Women added feathers, flowers (made from tissue paper and centered with a glass bead as the focal point or center of the flower), glitter (glitter), for an extra touch of sparkle, or glued-on braids or ribbons for a touch of class. .

The yellow tones achieved in the pre-cut roe were surprising. From delicate to bold with a hint of orange to give the yellow more depth, they created a stunning border for the mural. The men bagged THE goblet to decorate and insisted that it take center stage. They rubbed the shading powder so hard that the paper began to shine. Don’t underestimate the tenacity or vitality of the elderly!

With the newspapers spread out, they researched the racing colors of the jockey of their choice or perhaps the horse they were riding. Some made flags with the colors, others made small rectangles and others cut and colored jockey caps and decorated them with the colors. These were arranged around the cup.

Although afternoon tea was in progress, they ignored it, so engrossed were they in their mural. Fresh cake smells great, but it definitely came in second place!

The mural featured prominently in the rec room in the days leading up to the cup and long after. The signed mural was a favorite with both staff and visitors. As always, just give people something that interests them and that absorbs and sparks the imagination and you’re on to a winner.

Teens don’t have a monopoly on social media. Photos of the mural were taken with phones and sent to friends at other facilities. Now why wasn’t I surprised that I had barely gotten home when a neighboring facility asked me to go there and do a Christmas theme? Both facilities had their own therapists, but were eager to see something different demonstrated.

Individual Christmas stockings seemed to fill the bill. Each one had a different layout pre-drawn. The choice of colors was entirely optional, but as expected, green and red were the favourites, followed by white, blue and burgundy. Some used applicators while most used to spread the color with their fingers. It is very easy to clean the powders.

Some added holly sprigs, others sparkle, and everyone wanted a candy cane dangling above. The final collection of hosiery was excellent and the center decided that the proper place for hosiery was at each resident’s door.

I, ‘I wet the lid’ to these octogenarians and nonagenarians for their skill and aptitude, attitude and creativity. Former newspaper editors, managers, teachers, engineers, etc., all embraced the enjoyment and pleasure that a creative endeavor brings and were able to laugh at themselves as if they had gone back to kindergarten and colored. The skills they displayed and the joy shared did not resemble a kindergarten, nor did they resemble finished works.

My friends who sing and host concerts regularly as well as my granddaughters who volunteer for the elderly all make the same comment “You get so much more than you give” these people are amazing. How about sharing your creative side with our seniors? You may be in for a pleasant surprise. Go Aussies, go!! The same applies to people in all countries.