Governor Andrew Cuomo has launched an art program for older New Yorkers to fight social isolation.
The program is a partnership between the State Council on the Arts and the Office for the Aging.
“Staying connected with community outlets really do have a positive impact in reducing depression and anxiety, assisting with social isolation and proving cognition and many different positive outcomes,” said Greg Olsen, who heads the aging agency.
Mara Manus, who leads the Council on the Arts, says all people, not just the elderly, can find relief from depression and anxiety when engaging with art.
“The goal of creative aging is not only to engage in art making but also to bring people together through social engagement, and we know that is one of the drivers of health of people of all ages.”
The arts initiative will begin as a pilot program in 2020. It will serve about 500 older adults at up to 12 senior centers in three regions, including Long Island.