INDIANA – We live in an aging world. For the first time, there are more people on the globe who are over 65 than children younger than five. It is predicted that by 2050, the number of people 80 and over will surpass 425 million. In response to this major demographic change, many organizations, artists, and cultural workers have begun offering “creative aging” programs to maintain and improve the quality of life of older adults.
The concept of “creative aging” emerged from the research of psychologist Gene Cohen, who recognized that rather than diminishing as we age, the creative potential of humans increases later in life. From Cohen’s foundation work, a range of art approaches and activities emerged to support elder well-being. It is now recognized that arts-based programs help prevent the chronic feelings of loneliness, boredom, and helplessness that challenge many older adults. Creative Aging is the key to aging well.
In Indiana, aging services, providers, artists, and arts organizations can gain access to training and funding for creative aging work through the Lifelong Arts Indiana program. Lifelong Arts is a program of the Indiana Arts Commission, in partnership with the FSSA Division of Aging.
For more information about this program, contact Stephanie Haines, the Arts Education and Accessibility manager at The Indiana Arts Commission, at shaines@iac.in.gov or 317-450-9973.
