A new study from Queen Mary University of London has found that group arts activities—such as painting, music, and dance—can significantly improve mental health in older adults.
Published in Nature Mental Health, the research highlights how creative activities in a group setting can be just as effective as medication or therapy in reducing depression and anxiety.
Why This Matters
Millions of older adults worldwide struggle with depression and anxiety—about 7% experience depression, while 3.8% suffer from anxiety. Traditional treatments, like medication and talk therapy, are not always accessible or suitable for everyone due to side effects, cost, or personal discomfort in discussing mental health.
This study suggests a simple, enjoyable, and social alternative: creating art together.
What the Study Found
Led by Elizabeth Quinn, a Ph.D. candidate in Psychology, researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 39 studies from 21 countries, analyzing data from:
- 3,360 older adults for depression
- 949 older adults for anxiety
Key findings:
- Group arts activities significantly reduced depression and anxiety, even when accounting for biases in research publications.
- The effects were comparable to antidepressants, therapy, and even physical exercise, which are commonly recommended treatments.
- Older adults in care homes saw the greatest improvements, possibly because they face more isolation and vulnerability.
- The type of art didn’t matter—whether it was painting, music, or dancing, all forms of creative expression had similar benefits.
Dr. Janelle Jones, the study’s senior author, explains:
“Our findings show that group arts interventions are highly effective. We believe the combination of social interaction and creative expression plays a key role in improving mental health.”
Why Do Group Arts Activities Work?
Researchers believe the social aspect of creating together is a big factor. Older adults who participate in these activities connect with others, express emotions, and engage their minds in a positive way—all of which contribute to better mental well-being.
What This Means for Mental Health Care
These findings could change how mental health care is approached for older adults. In the UK, arts-based activities are already part of social prescribing, where doctors refer patients to community programs instead of only relying on medication. However, until now, there was limited scientific proof to support this approach.
Dr. Jones adds:
“Arts interventions are accessible, cost-effective, and enjoyable. They offer a way to improve mental health that doesn’t rely solely on medication or therapy, which is especially important for older adults who may struggle to access traditional treatments.”
Looking Ahead
The researchers hope that healthcare providers will begin integrating arts programs into routine mental health carefor older adults. They also call for further studies to explore:
- The long-term effects of group arts interventions
- How these interventions can help other age groups
- The best ways to implement arts programs in different healthcare settings
With strong evidence supporting the power of creativity and social connection, group arts activities may soon become a widely recognized alternative or complementary treatment for mental health challenges in older adults.
If you care about health, please read studies that scientists find a core feature of depression and this metal in the brain strongly linked to depression.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about drug for mental health that may harm the brain, and results showing this therapy more effective than ketamine in treating severe depression.
The research findings can be found in Nature Mental Health.
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