Older adults who remain socially engaged are more likely to retain sharper intellectual skills.
Brett, CE, et al. (2012). Psychosocial factors and health as determinants of quality of life in community-dwelling older adults. Quality of Life Research, 21(3): 505-516.
Keeping an active mind may help people withstand the ravages of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia or, at very least, delay their onset.
Fratiglioni, L, et al. (2004). An active and socially integrated lifestyle in late life might protect against dementia. The Lancet Neurology, 3(6):343 – 353.
Active seniors may also be less likely to experience declines in motor skills like strength, speed and dexterity.
Buchman, AS, et al. (2009). Association between late-life social activity and motor decline in older adults. Archives of Internal Medicine, 169(12):1139-1146.
In comparing seniors participating in arts programs with nonparticipants, studies report a higher overall physical health rating for the former. This group also uses less medication, requires fewer doctor visits and experiences fewer falls and other health problems, ultimately reducing community health care costs.
Baker, B. (2008). Studies suggest there's an art to getting older. The Washington Post, Tuesday, March 11, 2008. Accessed 5/11/12, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/10/AR2008031001617.html
Music and arts experiences offer isolated older adults opportunities to socialize, reducing feelings of "social disconnectedness . . . associated with worse physical health.”
Cornwell, EY, and Waite, LJ. 2009. Social disconnectedness, perceived isolation and health among older adults. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 50(March): 31–48
Resources
National Center for Creative Aging
Staying Engaged: Health Patters of Older Americans who Participate in the Arts, 2017 (from the National Endowment for the Arts website)
How Creativity Work in the Brain, 2015 (from the National Endowment for the Arts website)
The Arts and Aging: Building the Science, 2013 (from the National Endowment for the Arts website)
The Creativity and Aging Study: The Impact of Professionally Conducted Cultural Programs on Older Adults, 2006.