The Art of Aging

Creativity is shaped by individual experiences and abilities and can serve as a vital source of engagement and fulfillment throughout life. The Creativity and Aging series, led by Richard Marottoli, MD, MPH, aims to inspire older adults, caregivers, and health care professionals by showcasing that creativity remains an accessible and evolving outlet regardless of age or ability.

"Everyone has the capability to be creative," says Marottoli. "Creativity can evolve over time for many reasons: illness, functional changes, or life experiences. How each person defines creativity will be very different based on the accumulation of those experiences."

The series highlights older adults engaging in their chosen creative pursuits throughout the lifespan.

Students with musical backgrounds channeled their interests into meaningful patient care initiatives, leading to the production of two notable videos: one focusing on the therapeutic effects of music for individuals with dementia, emphasizing its role in enhancing their quality of life, and another featuring a student-led live performance of Indian music, delivered to patients to share a different cultural musical tradition.

Life experiences and circumstances often shape creative endeavors, particularly in later life. This series features professionals, including architects, a musician, a historian, and an artist. Each narrative demonstrates how life events and accumulated experiences have altered or enriched their work, revealing both substantial transformations and subtle shifts in focus or output. Becca Levy, PhD, discusses how artists become more innovative as they age, addressing ageism as a public health issue and promoting positive age beliefs that may improve health.