Beyond Borders: The Arts and Global Caregiving with Ryan Reid, Founder of Bream
How does the experience of aging and caregiving differ across cultures and continents? How does creativity play into the aging process, and what can we learn from the wisdom and experiences of our elders? Today we talk all about the world of caregiving, creative aging, and the transformative power of participatory arts and wellness programs.
Today my guest Ryan Reid, Founder of Bream. Ryan's journey began with experience in memory care as a teenager and life with her grandfather, which set the trajectory for her life's work. From the stages of off Broadway to the rural communities of Nepal, Ryan has dedicated her career to enriching the lives of older adults and their caregivers. Her brainchild, Bream, is a testament to her commitment, offering a holistic platform designed to alleviate loneliness and promote wellbeing among our senior community.
In our conversation today, we'll explore Ryan's personal and professional journey, from her early experiences with Alzheimer's research to her Fulbright studies in Nepal. We'll discuss the intricacies of caregiving across different cultures, talk about the philosophy of creative aging, and the role of arts and wellness in the lives of older adults. Ryan will also share insights into the mission and operations of Bream, how it tailors its offerings to meet the diverse needs of older adults, and her vision for the future of caregiving. Thank you, Ryan!
Learn more at https://www.hellobream.com/
Listen to our episode HERE.
About Ryan Reid & Bream
Ryan's Bio: After a profound experience working in memory care as a teenager, Ryan Reid dedicated her career to serving older adults and caregivers. Reid has written two plays about aging that premiered off-off Broadway; both earned acclaim from The New York Times. She has deep expertise working alongside activities professionals as a teacher of older adults.
In 2014, she founded Sprat, a company facilitating intergenerational connections between older adults and teenagers. Reid is also the founder of RAL, an international artist residency for artists of all ages. In 2016-2017, she was a Fulbright researcher in Nepal studying the way elders are treated and integrated into communities across cultures.
Currently, Reid leads Bream which she founded in 2022 to entertain, engage and improve the health of older adults. Reid holds a Bachelor of Arts in literature and writing from The New School and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Integrated Design from Parsons School of Design. She lives in the Bay Area, CA.
Company Bio: Bream is a wellness and creativity platform designed by gerontologists for older adults and caregivers to improve health and reduce loneliness. We provide a complete, 360° approach to lifelong learning and community through professionally-developed programming in nutrition, meditation, movement/physical activity, arts, writing, brain health, and more. For at-home users, Bream serves as a companion for isolated seniors and overburdened caregivers, providing guidance and accountability on the path towards health goals. For senior living users, Bream’s user-friendly interface, UX design, and structured content make it an ideal solution for communities struggling with insufficient staffing, low engagement, and demonstrating progress. Our mission is to combat the growing loneliness epidemic by empowering seniors and their caregivers with a platform for meaningful connection and wellbeing.
Website: https://www.hellobream.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hellobream
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellobream/
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*This episode is brought to you by Gigi Betty co. A boutique gift shop raising awareness and funds for caregivers and care partners. Show now at www.gigibettyco.com. Use the special code WILLGATHER20 for 20% off your order- Just for our podcast listeners!