Four organizations – Share the Care, Senior Resource
Alliance, United Arts of Central Florida and AdventHealth – have teamed up to launch the Art in
Health Teaching Artists Residency, a pilot program that leverages art to enrich the lives and
overall health of local seniors.
Starting in October, Share the Care’s Adult Day Health Centers will host one of four courses
over a period of eight weeks:
● Drumming & Percussion with Christopher America – performing rhythmic patterns as a
group
● Community Clay Connections with Sarah Johnston and Jean Taras – molding ceramic
flower bowls
● Visual Poetry & Collage with Nikki Barnes – combining poetry and collages
● Global Beats with Malanie LaJoie and Wanda Velez – exploring dances from around
the world
By 2050, the U.S. population over 65 will more than double to 86.7 million people, and the
global average lifespan is expected to extend by 10 more years, spotlighting why initiatives like
this are essential.
United Arts of Central Florida will organize the classes, which will be led by professional
teaching artists who have direct experience serving older adults, those with underlying memory
care needs and other physical challenges. Senior Resource Alliance will direct the local
population of older adults to the program. This initiative is made possible thanks to funding from
AdventHealth, which will activate its staff volunteer base to help measure the heart rate and
blood pressure of participants both before and after the workshops.
These courses take into consideration mobility restrictions as well as neurological and memory
care challenges such as dementia, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's that the adult participants face.
The program will culminate with a celebratory event so that seniors can show their family and
friends what they learned. This event will be open to the media.
Why This Matters
● Regular participation in arts activities has been linked to better sleep, reduced pain and
decreased reliance on medications in older adults. (Frontiers in Psychology)
● Creative expression through painting, writing or music helps reduce anxiety and promote
emotional healing in hospitalized patients. (Mayo Clinic, Humanities in Medicine
Program)
● Social prescribing is a growing approach where healthcare providers connect patients
with community activities like art, exercise or volunteering to support their health at little
or no cost.
Quotes from Leadership
“Art is more than expression – it’s connection, healing, and joy,” said Mary Ellen Philbin, CEO of
Share the Care. “It sparks memory, fosters community, and reminds each person of their unique
story. Share the Care is excited to partner with these creative local organizations to incorporate
this type of communication and expression within our Adult Day Health Centers."
“This new pilot program demonstrates how much can be achieved when working together,” said
Karla Radka, President & CEO of Senior Resource Alliance. “Research has shown the positive
effect that art can have on older adults, and by bringing this class directly to Central Florida
seniors, we make it easier for them to access those benefits.”
“In the coming decades, seniors will be our community’s largest population, and it is essential
that our services reflect their unique needs," said Jennifer Evins, President and CEO of United
Arts of Central Florida. “We believe the arts offer a powerful way to support their health and
well-being and are grateful to AdventHealth for the seed funding for this important pilot program
and for SRA for their willingness to partner and learn together.”
