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Creative Aging in the Healthy Aging Ecosystem Policy Brief

This policy brief lays out a bold, evidence-based case for embedding creative aging in America’s healthy aging agenda—highlighting its impact on brain health, social connectedness, and livable communities, and offering clear policy recommendations for cross-sector leaders.

Acknowledgements

This report was generously supported by a grant from the The Music Man Foundationand written by Gretchen Alkema, PhD, president of Wolf Eagle Enterprises, LLC — a strategic engagement firm that delivers clear-eyed insights and resource-conscious solutions to health, aging, and care delivery industries. We wholeheartedly thank our Policy Advisory Working Group who provided valuable perspective and feedback throughout the development of this brief.

Advisory Working Group: Liz Briscoe, Aging and Health Affinity Groups Coordinator, Maryland Philanthropy Network; Paige Cooke, M.S., Founder & Principal Healthcare Quality & Policy Consultant, APIQ Consulting, LLC; Rob Ence, Executive Director, Utah Commission on Aging; Dr. Jill Sonke, US Cultural Policy Fellow, Stanford University, University of Florida; Erin Westphal, Director of Policy, Programs, and Operations, The SCAN Foundation

Adapting your Creative Aging Program for Remote Settings in 10 Steps

This guide offers key recommendations from Lifetime Arts to help teaching artists and organizations design and deliver remote Creative Aging programs for older adults. While most remote programs are conducted online via video conferencing, some may also be telephone-based to ensure access for those without high-speed internet or digital devices.

Lifetime Arts Resource: Universal Design & Accessibility in Creative Aging Programs

This guide from Lifetime Arts shares practical tips to make creative aging programs welcoming for all—regardless of age, ability, or background. It covers accessible spaces, adaptive materials, inclusive communication, and class structures that foster comfort and engagement. Special guidance supports participants with early-stage memory loss, emphasizing simplicity, creativity, and autonomy. The focus is on intentional, flexible, and transparent practices so everyone can participate fully.