Studies Suggest There's An Art to Getting Older

¿ A study published in 2004 in the Journal of Aging and Health found that 124 independent elders who took part in four weeks of theater training showed cognitive and psychological gains when compared with a control group.

¿ An observational study published in 2005 in the American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias found that 12 people with dementia demonstrated significantly more engagement, pleasure, self-esteem and normalcy while participating in a painting program than they did during more-traditional adult day care activities.

Two groups cited by the NEA as exemplars in the field of the arts and aging are the Liz Lerman Dance Exchange in Takoma Park and AFTA. The dance troupe, a pioneer in intergenerational arts, has long included older people in its company.

AFTA has 18 artists, including Wolf, who lead 80 free workshops a month in 40 Washington area senior centers and nursing homes. "We've learned that after the programs, seniors were talking and smiling and socializing with one another more," said the group's executive director, Janine Tursini. "They were able to access memories and reminisce, which for people with cognitive impairments is a critical accomplishment." ¿

Beth Baker is a Washington area freelance writer and the author of "Old Age in a New Age: The Promise of Transformative Nursing Homes" (Vanderbilt, 2007). Comments:health@washpost.com.