Artwork done by Austin senior citizens is on display at City Hall until March 27. The exhibit, titled "Journey into Nature,"opened March 23 featuring poetry and art by individuals suffering from memory loss. Senior nonprofit advocacy groupAGE of Central Texas partnered with creative writing programBadgerdogand nonprofit arts groupMobile Art Programto organizethe exhibit. Displayed artwork featurethemes of nature and memory through written words, collages, and paintings, according to the city.The artists featured in the exhibit participate in the AGE of Central Texasearly memory loss support programs for thosewith early-stage Alzheimer's disease and dementiafromthe Austin and Round Rock adult day health centers, according to a news release. Residents can peruse the exhibit and meet the artistsduring a free exhibitfrom 5 to 8 p.m. March 27.

About AGE of Central Texas

AGE of Central Texas is a nonprofit organization based in Austin that boasts amission of tackling the challenges of aging with expert solutions.Within five specialized programs, the organization aims to help people successfully handle the challenges of aging. One of the programs is the Adult Day Health Center, which is offered in Austin and Round Rock. Lauren Greenwade, program director of the Round Rock Adult Day Health Center, said the program specializes in caring for people with Alzheimers and dementia. The members can spend their weekdays at the center, participate in activities and socialize with each other. We try to make it a cozy place, Greenwade said. They just need to have fun and know they are being loved. Greenwade said the health center exists because people are afraid to leave their loved ones alone. The adult day health center gives caregivers the security to know that their grandparents, parents, siblings and spouses are taken care of while they need to run errands, work or have some time to themselves. And the members are having a nice time, enjoying their daily activities and the time they get to spend with their new friends, said Greenwade. The socialization they have is amazing, she said. They become family here. They really support and love each other. AGE of Central Texas also offers programs for those caring for a family member. In addition to a caregivers support group that regularly meets, the organization offers classes and seminars as well as personal support. Greenwade said the organization works to form a partnership with the caregivers. She said AGE staffers share information with the caregivers and vice versa. And we are happy when we hear positive things like, My dad is so excited! You are giving our family such a great relief, or My mom slept through the night. Thank you so much! she said.