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What is creative aging?
The modern creative aging movement began in the late 20th century and expanded rapidly in the U.S. after the National Center for Creative Aging was founded in 2001. Grounded in research on aging and brain plasticity, creative aging uses professional, high-quality arts education and creative expression to support older adults’ health, well-being and social engagement. Programs are skill-based and curriculum-driven, emphasize artistic excellence and growth, and often end with a public performance or exhibition.
Creative aging in North Carolina
- Creative Aging Network-NC (Greensboro, serving communities statewide): professional teaching artists lead classes on the CAN-NC campus and with active adult centers, long-term care communities, CCRCs and parks & recreation, in painting, dance, music, poetry, writing, storytelling and more.
- Generations Center (Winston-Salem): the Intergenerational Center for Arts and Wellness, founded on the belief that how we care for older adults defines our community.
What is Arts on Prescription?
Arts on Prescription is a form of social prescribing: a healthcare approach that connects people to non-medical activities and community services to improve their health and well-being. Structured creative programs like painting, music, dance and storytelling support emotional, cognitive and physical health, especially for older adults, by fostering social connection and reducing loneliness. It began in the U.K. in the 1990s and has since spread worldwide.
Arts on Prescription in North Carolina
- Arts Pharmacy Program: Arts Pharmacy and the Kenan Institute for the Arts bring arts-based social prescribing to students at the UNC School of the Arts.
- Charlotte Art on Prescription: the Bechtler Museum of Art and Novant Health use museum programs, live performances and art-making classes to combat loneliness.
- CAN-NC Arts on Prescription: our work to expand AoP across the Piedmont Triad, including a monthly discussion group.