Creative Aging

Our Vision

Accessible music and arts programming enhances the quality of life of all older adults in Memphis and the Mid-South.

Our Mission

Creative Aging enhances Mid-South seniors' quality of life by stimulating their minds, creativity and sense of self through arts programs that engage, educate and entertain.

Our Values

Older adults lives should be filled with joy and connection.
Healthy, vital aging is a priority.
Music and arts experiences positively impact older adults physical and mental health by promoting cognitive vitality, reducing isolation, and providing opportunity for connection.
Professional arts programming has a measurable, positive impact on seniors’ quality of life and well-being.

Our Impact

Numbers Tell the Story

2003

Founded by Meryl Klein

6,965

Performances from 2004 to 2017

80

Artists working with Creative Aging

85%

Performances that are musical

$1,093,193

Performances fees paid to musicians and artists from 2004 to 2017

656

5 year annual performance average

$5

Average program cost/senior

3

Number of employees

$316,140

2018 budget

98%

People who are served who are disabled

19

Number of zip codes represented by senior communities served

34

Number of zip codes Senior Arts Members attendees

10,000

Number of Americans who turn 65 each day

125,617

Number of adults in Shelby County over 65

30%

Shelby County seniors who live alone

161,795

Projected number of Shelby County seniors in 2030

Our History

Meryl Klein founded Creative Aging in Memphis in 2003 and continued to lead the organization until her retirement in 2017. With seed money from Sister Armin Cooper and the Sisters of Charity in Cincinnati, Ohio, Ms. Klein pursued her dream of bringing music and the arts to seniors who were no longer able to leave their homes or communities. In partnership with a dedicated inaugural Board of Directors, Ms. Klein believed what science—only then emerging—would later prove: arts engagement can improve older adults' health and well-being.

Beginning with a handful of dedicated artists and committed senior communities, Creative Aging's inspiring and meaningful arts programs quickly took off. From 5 participating artists and senior communities in 2004 to 30 communities in 2005 and 40 communities by 2007, the number of seniors served and artists engaged continues to grow. With over 80 active, professional artists now on its roster, Creative Aging brings music and arts experiences to 60 senior communities in the greater Memphis metropolitan region.

In 2016, Creative Aging added a major new program, the Senior Arts Series. Designed to reach seniors “aging in place”, the Senior Arts Series is now in its third season and offers 8 events annually. The Series includes diverse musical and theatrical programming targeted toward senior audiences. Presented on Theatre Memphis’ Main Stage, the Series brings community arts groups and individual artists to an accessible venue during the day—all for a $5 donation.

As it continues to grow, with each new program added and each new senior reached, Creative Aging’s simple mission of enhancing lives through the arts remains the same.