Fueling Connection and Calm: Creative Wellness for Aging Communities

Fueling Connection and Calm: Creative Wellness for Aging Communities
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Unlocking Purpose and Connection Through Creativity

Creativity isn’t just for artists—it’s a powerful tool for staying mentally active, emotionally balanced, and socially engaged. For older adults, creative outlets like drawing, storytelling, music, or crafting provide more than enjoyment. They offer a sense of purpose, connection, and self-expression that supports overall quality of life.

As organizations focus on supporting whole-person health in aging populations, creative wellness programs provide an opportunity to promote well-being beyond clinical care. Whether it’s through visual art, music, or mindful drawing, helping older adults explore creativity can lead to measurable improvements in mental wellness, cognitive stimulation, and emotional fulfillment.

What Keeps Older Adults from Exploring Their Creative Side

Despite the benefits, many older adults don’t engage in creative activities due to a mix of cultural, emotional, and logistical barriers:

  • Lack of Confidence – Many older adults feel they aren’t “creative” or believe artistic expression is only for professionals.
  • Limited Access to Creative Opportunities – Especially post-retirement, access to structured creative outlets can be limited.
  • Social Isolation – Without community or encouragement, it can be hard to find motivation to try new things.
  • Undervalued Role of Creativity in Wellness – Creativity is often overlooked in health strategies despite its mental and emotional benefits.

In fact, creative expression has been linked to improved cognitive function and emotional well-being. According to The Journal of Occupational Therapy, practices like Zentangle can help reduce anxiety and enhance mindfulness in older adults.

How Creative Aging Initiatives Advance Organizational Health Goals

For Medicare Advantage providers, aging services, and wellness programs, promoting creativity delivers meaningful outcomes:

  • Boosts Daily Engagement – Creative routines help older adults stay active, focused, and mentally stimulated.
  • Supports Mental Wellness – Artistic expression offers a calming, meditative experience that helps reduce stress and support emotional balance.
  • Encourages Self-Confidence and Purpose – Creativity builds a sense of accomplishment, agency, and joy.
  • Drives Participation and Connection – Group creative activities foster community and reduce isolation, key for engagement.

Incorporating creativity into programming helps organizations support social-emotional wellness, align with whole-person care goals, and create enriching experiences that older adults look forward to.

How GetSetUp Supports Creativity and Engagement for Older Adults

GetSetUp offers interactive, expert-led classes designed to help older adults explore creativity in a low-pressure, inclusive environment. Programs are focused on unlocking personal expression, reducing stress, and encouraging ongoing engagement.

  • Mindful Art Practices for Calm and Focus – Classes like Zentangle Zen offer relaxing, pattern-based drawing sessions that blend mindfulness with creativity.
  • Creative Confidence for Beginners – Sessions are designed for all levels, helping participants rediscover joy in creative expression—no experience needed.
  • Social Connection Through Shared Creativity – Live classes foster discussion, storytelling, and community through artistic exploration.
  • Cognitive Stimulation Through Creative Thinking – Programs challenge the brain in new ways, supporting attention, memory, and focus.

These offerings help organizations embed creativity into their wellness programming in ways that are scalable, inclusive, and aligned with aging-in-place goals.

How to Get Started with GetSetUp

Implementing GetSetUp's programs to enhance the well-being of your members is a streamlined process:

Step 1: Select Programs Aligned with Member Needs: Identify and prioritize the programs that address your members' specific challenges and goals:

  • Digital and Health Literacy: Enhance members' understanding of technology and health information.
  • Fall Prevention: Provide strategies to reduce the risk of falls among older adults.
  • Chronic Disease Management: Support self-management of chronic conditions.
  • Independence and Self-Management: Promote skills that enable autonomous living.
  • Caregiving Support: Offer resources for those caring for loved ones.
  • Health Equity Programming: Ensure inclusive health education for all demographics.
  • Social Connectedness: Foster community to combat social isolation.
  • Mental Enrichment: Provide opportunities for cognitive stimulation and growth.

Step 2: Determine Integration Level : Choose how to incorporate GetSetUp into your existing infrastructure:

  • Hosted by GetSetUp: Utilize a dedicated URL and landing page managed by GetSetUp.
  • Embedded Integration: Seamlessly embed classes within your health plan's member portal for a cohesive user experience. Digital Health Platform for Active Agers

Step 3: Customize the Program for Your Organization: Tailor the offerings to reflect your organization's identity and meet member preferences:

  • Class Selection: Choose specific classes and determine the frequency to align with member interests.
  • Curated Series: Develop targeted class series that support your organization's priorities.
  • Engagement Tools: Implement notifications and reminders to encourage participation and discovery.
  • Feedback Mechanisms: Incorporate surveys to gather member insights and assess satisfaction.
  • Multilingual Options: Offer classes in multiple languages to cater to diverse member populations.
  • Brand Integration: Apply your organization's branding, including colors and design elements, for a consistent look and feel.

Step 4: Experience a Live Demonstration: Collaborate with GetSetUp to create a mock-up of the customized platform:

  1. Review and Test: Assess the tailored platform to ensure it meets your expectations and member needs.
  2. Provide Feedback: Share insights to refine the platform for optimal engagement.

Schedule a Consultation: Contact GetSetUp to discuss implementation details and address any questions. For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit GetSetUp Partner Page.

Bring GetSetUp to your organization

We partner with Medicare Advantage plans, dual eligible plans,  healthcare providers, Departments of Health & Human Services, Government aging services and more.