Art And Depression

Who knew that art might make a critical difference in the treatment of elder depression?   In 2001, Dr. Gene Cohen conducted the first experimental study of seniors in cultural programs and its effect on general health, mental health, and social activities: Creativity and Aging.

This study has been citied repeatedly in other works and became a foundation for senior programming.   As I researched elder depression, I was struck by three things in relation to this study. First, the date, Creativity and Aging was only done in 2001.  We have drawn since we had cave walls.  What took us so long to consider the relationship between creative arts and seniors achieving a healthier quality of life?  How’s that for an outcome?

Second, the design of the study was notable because it included a control group.  How else does one obtain hard data?  Once the comparisons were made, it was clear; the arts make a difference.  We worry about rising health care costs.  Perhaps, we could lower direct healthcare costs by utilizing proven cultural programs.  If, as this study demonstrates, cultural programs achieve true health promotion and disease prevention effects, why aren’t we using this method to address senior health issues? 

Third, the seniors studied were OLDER that the average life expectancy!  Wow, does that mean we could achieve even more positive health outcomes if we started cultural programming earlier, on younger seniors?

It’s something to think about.  Medical costs are expanding the way we do things now.  I believe it’s time to consider other methods as additions to direct medicine.  Think about it.