Arts and Aging

The “graying” of America promises dramatic change in every aspect of American life. One of the most profound changes is our culture’s very perception of older adults: we’re moving from a “deficit” approach that stresses losses to an “asset” approach that stresses strengths, potential, and achievements.

Dr. Gene Cohen, author of The Creative Age, asserted that while problems certainly accompany aging, “what has been universally denied is the potential. The ultimate expression of potential is creativity.” A critical gap exists between arts provision and aging services for this growing audience. Arts participation is proven to increase the health and well-being of older adults*, however few organizations offer quality professional arts programs for them.

After decades of pioneering work in the research, policy, and practice of arts and aging, providing improved arts services for this segment of the population is gaining momentum. Funding institutions are recognizing the importance of providing creative services for older adults and resources are shifting to support an American society where seniors will soon surpass the school-aged population in many urban and rural communities.

Arts organizations are poised to benefit from this tremendous need for high-quality, cost-effective creative activities. In a range of settings, the arts provide lifelong learning, meaningful community building, and respite to caregivers—all while uplifting individual creative expression. All people wish to grow older with dignity, living independent and purposeful lives for as long as possible. The arts are a key variable that provide meaning and true connection among individuals, families, and communities.

*Cohen et al., “The Impact of Professionally conducted Cultural Programs on the Physical Health, Mental Health, and Social Functioning of Older Adults,” The Gerontologist, Vol. 46, No. 6. 726-734.

Source: Americans for the Arts

You may also like:

05.05.2021

Recline = Decline

On July 1, 1946, the Communicable Disease Center (CDC) opened its doors and occupied one floor of a small building…

07.07.2020

Reach out!

It’s a fact, home is the safest place for all of us to be right now.   But there’s this to…

11.20.2019

Holiday Caregiving

Holidays like Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Years are celebrated and happy times for many people, however, if you are…

11.05.2019

Survivor Day

In 1999, Senator Harry Reid, who lost his father to suicide, introduced a resolution to the United States Senate which…

04.30.2018

Heat-related illnesses

Did you know that summer heart attacks are often due to hot temperatures? Heat-related illnesses, like heat exhaustion or heat…

11.09.2017

Continue living!

Continue living – Dr. Suzanne Lesage emphasizes that an Alzheimer’s diagnosis doesn’t mean the person’s life is over. She stresses…

06.30.2017

More Independence

Independence Day is being celebrated soon and the older our country is getting, so too is its generation of baby…