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For a few decades now, the concept of creative aging has been on the same upward trajectory as the graying of America. Creative aging is “the practice of engaging older adults (55+) in participatory, professionally run arts programs with a focus on social engagement and skills mastery,” according to the non-profit organization Lifetime Arts, making it clear “it is not about making macaroni necklaces.” With millions of baby boomers entering their third act of life, creative aging has grown into a full-scale movement designed to provide opportunities for meaningful creative expression through visual, literary, and performing arts workshops. On a grander level, creative aging is about possibilities, adds Pat Spadafora of the Sheridan Centre for Elder Research, and “freeing ourselves of limiting beliefs about aging and embracing the reality that individuals continue to grow, learn, and contribute to their communities throughout the life journey.”
With such a positive approach to the reality that we all get older, it’s not surprising that creative aging has become a major force to be reckoned with. Through its research, public policy, professional development, and formation of hundreds of arts programs, the National Center for Creative Aging (NCCA) is without a doubt the biggest champion of the movement. Arts programs are essential to help older adults remain dynamic members of society and an important part of their communities, the NCCA reasonably suggests. Community-based arts programming also provides younger generations with positive role models who encourage a strong sense of meaning and purpose, the NCCA has found in its research, meaning creative aging is a good thing for everyone on a local and national level.
Creative aging also has much to do with health. Wellness can be achieved in many ways, including using creativity to work the mind and body. Studies show that for those over 65, people involved in weekly art programs have fewer doctor visits and take less medication than those without creative outlets. “There is a growing body of evidence indicating that creative programs for older adults improve the health and wellness of older adults, as well as encourage social connectivity,” said Marc Agronin, Ph.D., adult and geriatric psychiatrist for the Miami Jewish Health Systems (MJHS), Florida’s largest long-term care institution. Research shows that mental activity stimulated by arts activities can be especially beneficial to people with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, art has been shown to foster connections between those with Alzheimer’s and dementia and their caregivers, whether family or professional. Cases of cognitive disabilities increase with age, so as the population lives longer more people will, of course, be diagnosed. It’s thus difficult to overestimate the potential impact of bringing arts programs to people with cognitive disabilities now and especially in the future.
The number and range of creative aging programs in the United States is truly remarkable, in part due to generous funding from the MetLife Foundation. (Go to www.creativeaging.org/programs for the full list.) Intergenerational activities take place in urban, suburban, and rural communities in a variety of settings such as community centers, senior centers, assisted living, adult day care, arts institutions, and libraries.
At Creative Aging Cincinnati, for example, classes include ballet and creative movement, chair yoga, recreational group drumming, dulcimer, and line dancing as well as art programs focusing upon history and culture and the visual arts. Potomac Arts Academy of Fairfax, Virginia, meanwhile, offers a piano class for 55+ers who are new to playing the instrument. The 10-week course meets for one hour each week, and families are invited to attend the final class to hear an informal performance. And at Arts & Minds at the New York Historical Society and the Studio Museum in Harlem, for example, older adults living with memory disorders and their caregivers get together to share new experiences of art. A variety of specially designed art experiences are offered in addition to caregiver workshops and educator training. Interactive gallery conversations about historical and contemporary art are followed by art-making workshops, with all programs led by professional teaching artists or museum educators. Such programs may seem geezery, but it’s important to keep in mind that the leading wave of boomers are already in their 70s and, needless to say, not getting any younger.
The NCCA tree branches out into other creativity-oriented initiatives targeted to 55+ers. With its Beautiful Minds project co-sponsored by DSM Nutritional Products, for example, creative agers are invited to take part in a national photo essay exhibit showcasing individuals who are doing “beautiful things” with their minds without letting age be a barrier. The photo essay exhibit travels to multiple cities as part of this educational campaign to inspire Americans to maintain their brain health through artistic pursuits. Beautiful Minds is dedicated to improving brain health in all stages of life by providing research, education, and inspiring stories—a beautiful thing in itself.
