America is graying. In just two years, the United States will have as many people over the age of 65 as there are under the age of 20. Challenges and opportunities abound in this demographic sea change. In response to this coming shift, a new paradigm articulates the idea of seeing older people for their potential rather than their problems. Arts and creativity programs provided by and for older adults are fast becoming accepted for their health, morale, and social benefits. This Monograph is intended to begin dialogue within the arts field about such programs by providing basic information on current trends and opportunities to integrate creativity and aging.

Americans for the Arts’ Monograph series featured in-depth issue papers on topics that were of the greatest interest to our members and arts professionals at the time. They often still serve as excellent resources for best practices and historic reference for today’s issues. Monographs were produced from 1993–2010. Monographs from 2001-2010 are available for downloadable in PDF format our online store at a nominal fee for nonmembers but free to members. All monographs from 1993-2000 are available for free download via the National Arts Administration and Policy Publications Database.

This Monograph is intended to begin dialogue within the arts field about arts and creativity programs by and for older people by providing basic information on current trends and opportunities to integrate creativity and aging.