CREATIVE AGING

What is Creative Aging? (from The Creative Aging Resource)

As Americans are living longer and healthier lives researchers have discovered that the aging brain is far more plastic than previously believed, and that structured learning — especially through the arts — can improve cognitive functioning and enhance the quality of life. A landmark 2006 study by Dr. Gene Cohen, The Creativity and Aging Study, demonstrated that professionally conducted arts-learning programs promoted better health and disease prevention among older adults who actively engaged in them.

Older adults are at risk for social isolation because of the natural series of losses that accompany aging: retirement, loss of a spouse, kids moving away, as well as the onset of health problems. All of these increase the need for a strong foundation of social relationships — something that creative aging programs intrinsically provide.

Widely recognized as an important contributor to positive aging efforts, creative aging practitioners promote the beneficial and powerful role of arts education for older adults.