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The Research Behind Creative Aging

Decades of research demonstrate that engagement in creative activities positively impacts:
 
Cognitive Health

  • Stimulates neural pathways and promotes neuroplasticity

  • Improves attention, problem-solving, and memory

  • Provides meaningful engagement for all cognitive abilities

Emotional Wellbeing

  • Reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety

  • Provides opportunities for emotional expression and processing

  • Builds self-esteem and sense of accomplishment

Social Connection

  • Combats isolation and loneliness

  • Creates shared experiences and conversation topics

  • Builds community and belonging

  • Facilitates intergenerational relationships

Physical Health

  • Encourages fine and gross motor skill use

  • Improves hand-eye coordination and dexterity

  • Can reduce perception of pain

  • Movement-based arts improve balance and mobility

Sense of Purpose & Identity

  • Allows for continued growth and learning

  • Provides opportunities to share wisdom and life experience

  • Maintains connection to lifelong interests and identities

  • Offers legacy-building opportunities

Research Partner:

University of Indiana Center for Aging and Community logo. Those words are written in white over a dark red background

Prismatic is proud to partner with the University of Indianapolis Center for Aging and Community as our research and evaluation partner. 

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The University of Indianapolis Center for Aging & Community (CAC) is one of the leading centers for aging studies. CAC uses an interdisciplinary approach to develop partnerships between higher education, business organizations, and the community. The Center prides itself on being a champion for advancing the new reality of older adults as corporate, community, and family assets.
 

Recommended Research:

Lifelong Arts Indiana Executive Summary & Full Report - A longitudinal, multi-disciplinary study on the arts impact on older adults across the state of Indiana. Statistically significant Physical and Mental Health outcomes noted. Prismatic Founder Stephanie Haines led the design of this research.

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The Creativity and Aging Study: The Impact of Professionally Conducted Cultural Programs on Older Adults - Groundbreaking, longitudinal, national multi-site study on the impact of arts programs on older adult well-being including lower prescription drug usage, lower number of falls, and lower doctor visits for those participating in the intervention group.  A control group was used in this research to determine causation.

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Culture Track: Older Americans & the Arts - Insight into the access older adults in the US have to arts and culture now and their desire to find more activities that center fun and social connection.

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​Museums and Creative Aging: A Healthful Partnership - Museum and visual arts-specific learnings for creative aging programming led in community spaces like museums.

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Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation - In 2023 US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy wrote this report on the loneliness and isolation epidemic impacting, largely, older adults across the country. He states " Social isolation among older adults alone accounts for an estimated $6.7 billion in excess Medicare spending annually, largely due to increased hospital and nursing facility spending."

Helpful Resources:

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