Unlocking the Power of the Arts in Senior Living
In a recent episode of the Smart Aging™ Podcast, I sat down with Bruce Lipnick, CEO and founder of Stage Access, to talk about the role of the arts in senior living. Bruce’s story is remarkable—he built a groundbreaking career in finance before shifting his focus to a lifelong passion: music, dance, and performance.
For Bruce, this wasn’t just a business move. The arts have always been part of his life:
- His mother volunteered for years at Lincoln Center.
- His sister sang in high school with Carole King.
- His daughter became a professional ballerina, performing with the New York City Ballet, Boston Ballet, and Washington Ballet.
Seeing how music and performance shaped his family, Bruce realized how limited access to the arts is for older adults—especially those in senior living. That gap inspired him to create Stage Access, a platform dedicated to bringing world-class performances directly to residents.
Why the Arts Matter for Aging Well
Bruce and I discussed the powerful connection between music, memory, and wellness. He shared stories that highlight just how transformative the arts can be:
- A 95-year-old former ballerina, seated in a wheelchair, lifted her arms and began moving gracefully when Swan Lake was played.
- Tony Bennett, though living with memory loss, could recall every lyric and detail when singing with Lady Gaga.
Music taps into memory, emotion, and connection in ways that medication and routine cannot.
Key benefits of the arts in senior living include:
- Brain health: Lowers blood pressure, reduces stress, and supports people with dementia, Parkinson’s, PTSD, and more.
- Increased participation: Residents who may sit quietly during other programs often sing, clap, or reminisce when music is played.
- Connection and joy: Families, staff, and residents naturally bond through shared performances.
As Bruce said, “Music and the performing arts should be essential in every community wellness program.”
Bringing the Stage to Residents
Stage Access was designed to eliminate the biggest barriers to the arts: geography, cost, and mobility.
Here’s how communities are already using it:
- Stage Access Nights: Weekly performances shown in the common room.
- In-room access: Residents stream concerts or ballets on their TVs, tablets, or phones.
- Calendar integration: Through Go Icon, it’s easy to schedule Stage Access alongside other programs.
- Themed experiences: Pair a Paris concert with a French dinner, or stream The Nutcracker during the holidays with festive décor.
Instead of performances being a one-off event, Stage Access helps transform them into multi-sensory programs—music, food, culture, and memory combined.
Innovation on the Horizon
Bruce and his team are pushing boundaries with how technology can expand the reach of the arts:
- Virtual reality theaters: Residents use VR headsets to feel like they’re inside La Scala or the Bolshoi.
- Robotics in healthcare: Care robots can play calming music during tasks like taking blood pressure, turning anxious moments into soothing ones.
- Expanding genres: Beyond opera and ballet, Stage Access is adding jazz, big bands, and classic pop to reflect residents’ diverse tastes.
Stage Access has also created standout productions, such as:
- Cities That Sing with Renée Fleming, filmed for IMAX in Paris and Venice with drones and surround sound.
- The behind-the-scenes story of the Three Tenors’ 30th anniversary, watched by 1.6 billion people worldwide.
- A special Notre Dame reopening concert, blending history, culture, and performance.
Each project reflects Bruce’s vision of blending tradition with innovation—making sure extraordinary performances reach people who otherwise wouldn’t experience them.
A Takeaway for Senior Living Communities
Bruce’s message is clear: the arts aren’t optional. They are essential for resident wellness and quality of life.
The arts in senior living mean:
- Health benefits without side effects.
- Enriched calendars with world-class content.
- Opportunities for staff, residents, and families to bond through shared joy.
- A way to honor traditions and spark new experiences.
As Bruce reminded us: “Music is the safest, most immediate way to change how you feel—without side effects.”
By weaving Stage Access into engagement calendars through Go Icon, communities can create programs that go beyond entertainment. They become moments of meaning, memory, and connection—whether it’s a group event or an individual experience.
And with the rapid evolution of technology—VR, robotics, streaming—the next five years will redefine how older adults engage with culture, creativity, and the joy of performance.
Listen to the full episode of the Smart Aging™ Podcast to hear more of Bruce Lipnick’s insights and vision for Stage Access.