Creative Aging: Living Well Through the Arts

Author

• Joshua Brown, University of Nebraska, Kearney

Date of Award

Spring 5-8-2026

Document Type

Research Paper

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Education (MAED) in Art Education

Department

Art & Design

Instructor

Dr. Christopher M. Strickland

Program Advisor

Dr. Christopher M. Strickland

Keywords

creative aging, quantitative research, holistic well-being and health, government’s role in caring for older adults, qualitative research.

Abstract/Description

This research project discusses and analyzes arts programming designed to enrich the lives of older adults (defined here as people older than 55) using a qualitative approach with quantitative support, and how governments can fund community-based creative aging programming to promote wellness. Over the course of one semester, these research techniques were used to explore the practice of creative aging programming through analysis of state-level data, testimonials from participating artists, reviewing literature on the topic of creative aging, and examination of the artwork produced by older adults through these programs. These programs can directly impact the social health of older adults, their holistic well-being, and reduce the cost to governments of caring for older adults at the local, state, and federal levels.

Recommended Citation

Brown, J. (2026). Creative Aging: Living Well Through the Arts. [Master’s thesis, University of Nebraska, Kearney]. OpenSPACES@UNK.