Where Creativity Meets Healthy Aging

Create space for older adults to thrive, connect, and rediscover purpose—right in your local library.

 

Explore Our Resources

Where Creativity Meets Healthy Aging

Create space for older adults to thrive, connect, and rediscover purpose, right in their local library

 

Explore Our Resources
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BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER

Ending Isolation Through Creativity

Many older adults face isolation, loneliness, and fewer opportunities to stay engaged. Libraries are uniquely positioned to change that. Through Creative Aging programs, older adults can connect, create, and find renewed purpose, making libraries true hubs of community and well-being.

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GROWTH THROUGH ART

What is Creative Aging?

Creative aging is the practice of incorporating intentional and creative engagement throughout our lives to support our health, connection, and purpose as we age. It recognizes that creativity is lifelong—and that older adults are essential cultural contributors across all art forms, skill levels, and communities.

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THE IMPACT

Why Creative Aging Matters

Creative Aging transforms libraries into vibrant spaces where older adults can learn new skills, express themselves, and connect with others. Through engaging arts programs, participants discover renewed purpose, build confidence, and strengthen community bonds.

For 17 years, Lifetime Arts has partnered with libraries, agencies, and cultural institutions to lead the creative aging movement nationwide. Now, we’re inviting you to join us in bringing its impact to your community.

Why Creative Aging Works in Libraries

Libraries are trusted community spaces. With the right tools, you can transform your branch into a hub where older adults connect, learn, and create. Creative aging programs:

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Strengthen intergenerational community connections

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Promote lifelong learning and well-being

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Position your library as a leader in cultural engagement

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STORIES THAT INSPIRE

Libraries Bringing Purpose to Every Age

Explore insights from an IMLS-funded pilot that brought Creative Aging programs to libraries in Wyoming and Missouri, showing the power of the arts to connect and uplift older adults. The project also provided training and tools that help library workers across the country create programs in their own communities.

SEE THE RESULTS

Changing Lives, One Library at a Time

  • 850+
    Library workers

    trained by Lifetime Arts

  • 460+
    Creative aging programs

    supported by Lifetime Arts

  • 256
    Individual libraries'

    programs supported by Lifetime Arts

  • 65
    Library systems

    trained and advised by Lifetime Arts

WATCH PURPOSE THRIVE

See the Change in Action

When librarians have access to the right resources, older adults in every community can flourish. By using these tools, you’re part of a national movement making libraries more inclusive, engaging, and impactful for people of all ages.

 

TESTIMONIALS

Hear How Libraries Are Transforming Lives Through Creative Aging

Meredith Johnson Adult Services Consultant Missouri State Library

One thing about librarians is that once they get excited about something, they get stuff done. Once they went to Lifetime Arts’ training and had the support of the state library—the barriers dropped, the excitement grew, and they realized this [project] was possible.

Nicholle Gerharter Park Cody Library Manager County Library, WY

Everyone is welcome at the public library. All ages, all abilities, all incomes. We love to have them walk through the doors every day and find something that inspires them, enriches their lives, or makes their lives better.

Lori Rippe Mixed Media Program Participant The Library Center, MO

As an art teacher in a community college, I feel really passionate about this program, which is offered for free to the community where people can participate in creative progress. To be doing the arts and to be creative is an important thing about aging healthfully and gracefully

Kay Inslee Program Participant WY

The program expanded my horizons. I did something I never thought I would do. If you have a chance to do something like this, do it. You won’t regret it. It was fun from day one.

TAKE ACTION

Turn Your Library Into a Hub of Creativity

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Discover What’s Possible

Learn how Creative Aging transforms lives through research and proven practices.

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Be Inspired by Success

See real library programs making an impact in communities like yours.

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Bring It to Life

Access tools and resources to launch Creative Aging at your library.

Turn Your Library Into a Place Where Older Adults Thrive

With Creative Aging, you’re not just running programs, you’re transforming lives.

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