Creative Aging Literature Review - The Role and Efficacy of Arts-Based Interventions in Older Adult Populations

Sep 29, 2026

Creative aging literature and evidence base examines how arts-based interventions support health and well-being for older adults. Tracing origins to Dr. Gene Cohen’s 2006 Creativity and Aging Study, the review synthesizes research across multiple art forms, focusing on cognitive and physical health, mental and emotional well-being, and health-care spending or utilization. An environmental scan maps program sites and types, including senior/assisted living communities, arts organizations, museums, and public community spaces, emphasizing participant voice, choice, cultural relevance, and instruction quality. Program design considerations address replicability and scaling.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Key findings

Intervention success factors

Literature review scope and outcomes

Cognitive and physical health

Mental and emotional well-being

Health care spending and utilization

Program design and scaling considerations

624 Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 key findings. The environmental scan describes the variety of sites and program types where creative aging takes place including: senior/assisted living communities; arts-based organizations (museums, theatres, galleries) and public and community spaces. We present evidence that participant voice and choice, cultural relevance and quality of instruction have a critical impact on the success of the intervention and the social, emotional, and cognitive benefits to participants than any single medium or art form. We conclude with considerations for program design and challenges regarding replicability and bringing programs to scale, such as duration and dosage, choice of art form, active vs. passive participation, instruction quality, and research design. Abstract citation ID: igaf122.2135 CREATIVE AGING LITERATURE REVIEW: THE ROLE AND EFFICACY OF ARTS-BASED INTERVENTIONS IN OLDER ADULT POPULATIONS Eileen Tell1, and Jacob Watson2, 1. ET Consulting, LLC, Bemont, Massachusetts, United States, 2. The Practice, Chicago, Illinois, United States The term “creative aging”comes from a 2006 landmark study by Dr. Gene Cohen (The Creativity and Aging Study) which evidenced the promise for arts-based learning to support overall health and wellness of older adults. As lifespans increase, there is a need for interventions that sustain the well-being of older adults living longer lives. This presentation reviews the relevant literature and offers an environmental scan of best practices in creative aging to provide design considerations and practical recommendations for those interested in bring creative aging initiatives into their practice. Specifically, we explore prior research across various art forms and the outcomes identified regarding: cognitive and physical health; mental and emotional well-being; and health care spending and/or utilization. The literature review summarizes measurement practices, study designs, research limitations, and

FAQs

What does the review conclude about what drives intervention success in creative aging programs?

Participant voice and choice, cultural relevance, and the quality of instruction critically impact intervention success and the resulting social, emotional, and cognitive benefits.

Which outcome areas does the presentation review regarding arts-based interventions for older adults?

It reviews outcomes related to cognitive and physical health, mental and emotional well-being, and health-care spending and/or utilization.

What challenges and design factors are highlighted for replicating and scaling creative aging programs?

Considerations include duration and dosage, choice of art form, active versus passive participation, instruction quality, and research design to support replicability and scale.

Sep 29, 2026

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