Summary
For older people whose social networks are dwindling, arts and culture give opportunities to keep socially, civically, and mentally active in their communities. The arts provide a symbolic and emotionally expressive communication system for elders with cognitive limitations, allowing them to engage with their care partners and the larger community.
With demographic trends putting further strain on resources, arts and cultural groups will become increasingly vital as catalysts for meaningfully involving older individuals in their communities. Loneliness and social isolation are major issues for people over the age of 50 in the United States, with more people living alone than at any other time in history.
Many innovative programs have not focused on the inclusion of older citizens and those with impairments, who are frequently left out of "civic participation" program models. Creative placemaking programs harness the talents of well-known, professional artists to provide value to underserved areas.