Participating in the Arts and Successful Aging

Abstract

This essay examines how participating in arts activities can help with the mental, physical, and social well being of older adults and how this helps produce successful aging. Four studies that focus on general arts participation are discussed to show the benefits they can have. Then the essay discusses further how attending art museums benefits older adults mentally, physically, and socially. The Whitney Museum of Art and the Frye Art Museums older adult programs are analyzed for real world insight. All of this reflects on how arts participation can aid with successful aging.