Aging & Community
How Our Aging in Rhythm Drum Circle Connected the UIndy Community
When participants walked into UIndy’s Schwitzer Center, they were greeted by a circle of colorful drums and Lisa Colleen, owner of LC Rhythm Events & ICA-certified life coach. A few attendees paused near the doorway with curiosity and hesitation, having never played a drum before. But as Lisa invited everyone to take a seat, any initial uncertainty quickly melted away. Within minutes, the room was echoing with rhythmic beats, shared laughter, and high energy.
The Science and Joy of Rhythm
Lisa led an interactive drumming session that brought participants together through rhythm and music. Along the way, she shared how drumming can support emotional well-being, reduce stress, and create opportunities for connection. With everyone playing the same instrument across a 35-year age span, participants experienced firsthand how something as simple as keeping a beat can bring people together. No musical experience was needed, making it an engaging and accessible activity for everyone. Lisa even tailored technique adjustments on the spot to support individual mobility, demonstrating how someone with arthritic hands could drum in a more comfortable way.
Event Highlights and Impact
Beyond the vibrant beats, the evening demonstrated just how powerful creative aging programs are in fostering belonging and personal well-being. By bringing together participants of all comfort levels, the workshop highlighted the difference rhythm makes in our daily lives. Key takeaways and community impacts included:
- Instant Connections: Participants who arrived feeling tentative left smiling, laughing, and with new friends, highlighting the unifying power of shared music.
- Collaborative Songmaking: Attendees broke into small groups to experiment with different rhythms, discovering how individual beats weave together into a harmonious song.
- Sustained Engagement: The gathering brought together first-time visitors and familiar faces who regularly attend CAC offerings, strengthening our overall community network.
- Neuroscience-Backed Leadership: Lisa leveraged 15+ years of experience using movement and neuroscience to guide participants in releasing anxiety and building positive social bonds.
Bringing Campus and Community Together
At CAC, we champion initiatives that make a meaningful difference by connecting UIndy’s people and expertise to real-world impact. Watching neighbors and students connect through music reinforces how vital creative aging programs are for building vibrant, supportive communities.
Big thanks to Lisa and everyone who came out to play! Stay tuned for future CAC community events; we look forward to seeing you at our next gathering.
The Aging Expert Speaker Series is made possible by the generous support of the Nelle Worthington Fund.
