Arts and Health: A Holistic Approach to Well-Being
Health isn’t just about the body—it’s emotional, mental, and social, too. That’s where the arts come in. As creative aging continues to grow, so does the recognition that artistic activities are powerful tools for improving overall well-being.
Making Art is Good Medicine
A promising approach called “arts on prescription” or “social prescribing for the arts” is emerging. In this model, healthcare professionals prescribe arts-based activities, such as music, painting, or dance, to improve health. This holistic strategy addresses not just physical symptoms but also the social and emotional aspects of well-being. It has been shown to alleviate anxiety, depression, and loneliness, while enhancing cognitive function.
In the United States, arts on prescription is still in its early stages, but it’s gaining traction as research and pilot programs demonstrate the significant health benefits. Countries like the UK are leading the way, and the U.S. is beginning to follow suit. Hospitals and clinics are starting to integrate arts programs into their care models, although challenges remain in terms of funding, awareness, and system-wide adoption. The future holds promise as this innovative approach becomes more recognized and supported.
By embedding the arts into healthcare strategies, we can ensure that creative activities are a recognized and valuable tool for well-being, enriching lives as we age.
Hear From an Expert
Last summer, we spoke to Dr. Jill Sonke, a leading expert on the health benefits of arts participation (we’ve got a few things she’s written below!) This interview is a great primer on the current research and growing field of arts in health.
Key Research on the Impact of Arts Participation on Health
There is a growing body of evidence supporting arts as a legitimate healthcare intervention. Here are some key research findings that reinforce the impact of creative activities on health:
Social Prescribing: Applying All Our Health
Public Health England (2019)
This report provides a comprehensive look at social prescribing, including case studies and strategies for implementing arts interventions in healthcare. It demonstrates how these programs address mental health, loneliness, and chronic conditions.
An Evidence-Based Framework for the Use of Arts and Culture in Public Health
Tasha Golden, Jill Sonke, and Alexandra K Rodriguez (2024)
This study identifies six broad ways in which arts and culture can be used in public health and 59 specific outcomes that can be addressed through arts and cultural strategies.
What Is the Evidence on the Role of the Arts in Improving Health and Well-Being?
Daisy Fancourt and Saoirse Finn (2019)
Commissioned by the WHO, this report compiles global research on the health benefits of the arts, covering various art forms and their impacts on conditions like dementia, anxiety, and chronic pain.
Arts on Prescription
In this roundtable discussion, we explore the emerging research and practices of social prescribing for the arts (SPA) in the U.S. and other countries with arts and health professionals; Tasha Golden, PhD, Director of Research at the International Arts + Mind Lab at Johns Hopkins Medicine; S. Sudha, PhD, Professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at University of North Carolina Greensboro; and Käthe Swaback, Program Officer, Mass Cultural Council (Creative Youth Development and CultureRx: Social Prescription Pilot Program).
Art in Action: Real-World Stories and Practical Tools
While research is essential, real-world stories can also powerfully convey the benefits of creative aging. Here’s some easy-to-read articles and resources on the benefits of art for our health.
Participating in the Arts Creates Paths to Healthy Aging
National Institute of Health (2019)
We all know to eat right, exercise, and get a good night’s sleep to stay healthy.
But can flexing our creative muscles help us thrive as we age?
Making Art and the Art of Aging Well
It has been shown that, as we age, engaging in artistic activities positively impacts cognitive function, emotional well-being, and our overall quality of life.
Expressing yourself through artistic channels isn’t just enjoyable, it’s good for you, too!
Arts on Prescription: A Field Guide for US Communities
Mass Cultural Council, University of Florida Center for Arts in Medicine, and Dr. Tasha Golden (2024)
This free field guide offers a roadmap for communities to develop programs that formally integrate arts, culture, and nature resources into local health and social care systems.
Explore More in Our Creative Aging Resource Library
This page contains just a few of the resources we have on how creative aging leads to healthy aging. Discover a wealth of information in the Lifetime Arts’ Creative Aging Resource Library, including reports, articles, case studies, and more.
