The arts contribute to communicating, building a sense of identity, preserving or restoring social capital, and strengthening social networks in communities.
The arts help create elder-friendly communities in which older adults are able to thrive and function, and therefore age in place.
Arts and aging programs contribute to the cultural development of communities.
Arts and aging programs are community arts programs in which cultural meaning, expression, and creativity reside within participants.
The arts can effect community cultural development—culture change—within residential facilities so that professional caregivers and staff respect the wishes of residents and see them as assets.
Scientific research demonstrates that involvement in challenging participatory arts programs has a positive effect on physical health, mental health, and social functioning in older adults, regardless of their ability.
