About Creative Aging

Creative Aging approaches aging in a new way. Rather than viewing the older years as a time of steady decline and deterioration, the new paradigm of creative aging reveals these years to be a time of discovery, integration, and growth. Older adults who engage in lifelong learning in a social setting have been shown to experience a powerful sense of mastery through acquiring new skills. This sense contributes to wellness by decreasing depression and slowing cognitive decline. Gene Cohen’s landmark study, The Creativity and Aging Study: The Impact of Professionally Conducted Cultural Programs on Older Adults, found that when older adults enrolled in participatory arts programs at three different geographical sites were compared to a control group, they reported “(A) better health, fewer doctor visits, and less medication usage; (B) more positive responses on the mental health measures; (C) more involvement in overall activities.”