What if we treated creativity as essential to aging well—as crucial as a balanced diet or medical care? That’s exactly the question Lia Miller, Co-founder and Executive Director of Creative Aging Network-North Carolina (CAN-NC) is answering every day with a resounding yes. Located in Greensboro, CAN-NC is more than an arts organization. It’s a model for what a society can look like when it places creative expression and intergenerational connection at the heart of healthy aging.
“We offer people opportunities to express themselves in many different ways—not just through the visual arts, but through gardening, cooking, sewing, dance,” said Lia. “Creative aging is about access and inclusion. It’s about safe spaces where people can express their ideas and emotions freely”.
Breaking Down Barriers—Literally and Figuratively
One of the most powerful aspects of CAN-NC’s work is its attention to accessibility. Their facility itself is barrier-free, originally designed as a skilled care building for people with developmental delays. That thoughtful infrastructure—zero clearance doorways, elevators, and soon, enhanced lighting and braille signage—means no one is left out due to physical limitations. But their commitment to access goes further.
Whether it’s offering programming in Spanish, incorporating interpreters, or adapting instruction for those with memory or sensory challenges, Lia made it clear: “We want everyone to feel like they belong here.” That includes economic access too. With grant funding and a vision for a scholarship program, CAN-NC ensures cost isn’t a barrier to participation.
Relationships That Defy Ageism
The real magic of creative aging isn’t just in the art—it’s in the connections that form. CAN-NC doesn’t just bring older adults together; it brings generations together. Grandparents sew alongside grandchildren, families celebrate together, and children see aging not as decline, but as a vibrant phase of life. Lia sees it happen all the time:
“People start to see the person as a whole person—not just someone who needs care. When they see someone with dementia create something beautiful, it shifts their perception. It challenges the assumptions we often make about aging, especially in communities that are already marginalized”.
A Vision of a More Creative Tomorrow
The long-term dream? Creative aging embedded into every facet of older adult care and community life.
“Ideally,” Lia said, “creative aging programming would be in all aging service providers, businesses, and organizations. It would become an integrated part of long-term care. And it would be funded because it’s valued.”
But dreams need fuel. Lia is clear that CAN-NC’s ability to grow hinges on both human and financial resources.
“We need more hands, more ideas, and more investment if we’re going to continue growing this work across the state,” she added. “It’s a call to action for anyone who believes in the power of creativity to build a more inclusive, joyful world.“
Creating More Than Art—Creating a Movement
At Lifetime Arts, we recognize the transformative impact of this kind of leadership. CAN-NC’s model exemplifies the future of creative aging—where older adults aren’t an afterthought, but a wellspring of creativity, culture, and community. As this movement continues to gain national momentum, stories like Lia’s remind us that change starts at the local level—with people willing to challenge assumptions, build bridges, and reimagine what it means to grow older.
In Lia’s world, aging is not a time to shrink, but a time to shine. And thanks to her work and vision, more people are stepping into that light. Are you one of them? You can bring creative aging to your community with us! Connect with Lifetime Arts staff directly by clicking here, or explore our virtual Creative Aging Foundations Training—your one-stop launching pad for creative aging success.
About Lia Miller
Lia Miller is a visionary leader, artist, and advocate with over three decades of experience at the intersection of the arts and healthy aging. In 2004, she co-founded the Creative Aging Network-NC (CAN-NC), a nonprofit dedicated to enriching the lives of older adults through creative engagement. Under her leadership, CAN-NC has grown into a thriving organization serving thousands annually. Her work prioritizes equity and inclusion, offering programs to diverse populations including immigrants, refugees, and people with disabilities. Miller has developed programs that empower older adults as artists and leaders while training hundreds of artists and healthcare providers. She is a sought-after speaker and consultant on the role of arts in health and community building.
Art Forms
Ceramics, Dance, Fiber Arts/Textiles, Jewelry & Metalsmithing, Visual Arts, Visual Arts > Craft + Traditional
Audience
Arts and Community Orgnizations
Year
Fields
Focuses
Accessibility, Arts + Health, Partnerships