Exploring the Impacts of Arts Participation on Healthy Ageing

Older adults in Canada face a range of inter-related health issues, many of which were exacerbated by the pandemic, increasing patterns of isolation and loneliness in conjunction with chronic illnesses, disability, and other factors. As recognition of the links between arts, healing and wellbeing grows, it is important to deepen our understanding of these links and develop stronger evidentiary bases for the different ways and levels at which arts participation and engagement can promote individual and community health. This research focuses on the collaboration between Rexdale CHC, their senior clients, and the Franklin Carmichael Art Group (FCAG), in northern Etobicoke, under RCHC’s Ethno Cultural Seniors Program. It explores a series of art classes aims to reduce social isolation for ‘at risk’ seniors, especially those who are vulnerable, racialized, newcomer, minority and those living with disabilities communities, all of which are important social factors in determining individual and community health. A key goal is helping increase social participation and inclusion for local seniors to strengthen the community, and ultimately to support health ageing.

This series of art classes which include participation by older adults with a differing social and health circumstances, with possibility to explore a wide variety of artistic mediums with professional instructors, offers an excellent opportunity to understand the health and wellbeing impacts of participation in art classes. 

The research incorporates a range of methods including, focus-groups, participatory observation, and visual analysis of artworks produced during the classes and leading up to an exhibition in summer 2025 of all the works produced by the participants. The exhibition is an excellent opportunity to build on the work of the classes in bringing people in the community together, where the art, research findings, participants and their friends/families can help consolidate the benefits of this project. The exhibition also provides a great chance to combine the event with a talk, discussion and dissemination of emerging research findings. This kind of iterative research involving dialogue between researchers and community participants is important for the CERC program.