Four organizations – Share the Care, Senior Resource Alliance, United Arts of Central Florida and AdventHealth – teamed up to launch “Creative Aging,” a pilot program that leverages art to enrich the lives and overall health of local seniors, and celebrated the very first participants of an art initiative designed to enrich the lives of older adults.
Last fall, four Adult Day Health Centers in Orange County and Seminole County hosted classes in which seniors learned how to dance, drum, craft ceramics or write poetry. Each facility hosted its own graduation ceremony so that course participants could show off their new skills.
- Drumming & Percussion with Christopher America – performing rhythmic patterns as a group
- Community Clay Connections with Sarah Johnston and Jean Taras – molding ceramic flower bowls
- Visual Poetry & Collage with Nikki Barnes – combining poetry and collages
- Global Beats with Malanie LaJoie and Wanda Velez – exploring dances from around the world
These courses took into consideration mobility restrictions as well as neurological and memory care challenges such as dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s that the adult participants face. The program culminated with a celebratory event so that seniors could show their family and friends what they learned.
By 2050, the U.S. population over 65 will more than double to 86.7 million people, and the global average lifespan is expected to extend by 10 more years, spotlighting why initiatives like this are essential.
United Arts of Central Florida organized the classes, led by professional teaching artists who have direct experience serving older adults, those with underlying memory care needs and other physical challenges. Senior Resource Alliance directed the local population of older adults to the program. This initiative was made possible thanks to funding from AdventHealth.
“Art is more than expression – it’s connection, healing, and joy,” said Mary Ellen Philbin, CEO of Share the Care. “It sparks memory, fosters community, and reminds each person of their unique story. Share the Care is excited to partner with these creative local organizations to incorporate this type of communication and expression within our Adult Day Health Centers.”
“This new pilot program demonstrates how much can be achieved when working together,” said Karla Radka, President & CEO of Senior Resource Alliance. “Research has shown the positive effect that art can have on older adults, and by bringing this class directly to Central Florida seniors, we make it easier for them to access those benefits.”
“In the coming decades, seniors will be our community’s largest population, and it is essential that our services reflect their unique needs,” said Jennifer Evins, President and CEO of United Arts of Central Florida. “We believe the arts offer a powerful way to support their health and well-being and are grateful to AdventHealth for the seed funding for this important pilot program and for SRA for their willingness to partner and learn together.”
According to the groups, this matters because:
- Regular participation in arts activities has been linked to better sleep, reduced pain and decreased reliance on medications in older adults. (Frontiers in Psychology)
- Creative expression through painting, writing or music helps reduce anxiety and promote emotional healing in hospitalized patients. (Mayo Clinic, Humanities in Medicine Program)
- Social prescribing is a growing approach where healthcare providers connect patients with community activities like art, exercise or volunteering to support their health at little or no cost.
