Hi Paul. You're right that there are many other ways to explore the world that utilize other non-linguistic senses -- music, tactile engagement, smells, pictures, etc. The trick is to find engaging activities that are both simple and engaging, and don't require the person with dementia to being put into a position where they can't understand what is happening. I remember playing a simple matching game with my mother -- she became quite upset because she understood she was supposed to be matching them in some way, but couldn't understand how to do it. So the best type of activity is one which allows them to participate without their being a right way or a wrong way to explore a different type of environment of sensory experience.

I love the idea of shared spaces for creatives, in part because for many artists out there, it can be difficult to find mentoring and community in the place where they live. The smaller the community the more difficult it becomes.

How would you connect up those two age groups, Burt? There are so many people over the age of 50 who simply don't engage in the various internet communities that they will be unaware of sites such as DeviantArt. This is the part of the challenge that I keep stumbling over -- how to make the over 50 crowd aware of the potential service or product.

Hey Nick -- I'm beginning to see a pattern emerging from the different ideas and postings for all of the ideas. We're really dealing with two to three different demographic groups at the "elderly" end, each with distinctly different skill sets and needs for the mentoring process. For example, although I'm technically a "senior" for this challenge (I'm 60) I don't belong to any seniors groups, I have lots of high end skills to trade, and I have lots of technology. My mother-in-law is 85 and living in seniors assisted living, with more minimal technology and difficulty understanding how to work it. So reaching out to her is quite different than reaching out to me.

The same can be said of the youth end. The mentoring skills and interests of a 16 year old are vastly different than those of a 20 year old. However, the entire youth group is more easily reached through the same social media networks, than are the "elderly".

I think we might need to consider defining the demographics for our ideas, or broadening the concept so that it will both reach and be of interest to a larger demographic. What are your thoughts on this?