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This study measured the impact of professionally conducted community-based cultural programs on the physical health, mental health, and social activities of individuals age 65 and older, over a 2-year period. Subjects were assigned to either an intervention (chorale) or comparison (usual activity) group. Results revealed positive intervention effects in relation to physical health, number of doctor visits, medication usage, depression, morale, and activity level. These results reflect a positive impact of participatory art programs for older adults in this study relevant to health promotion, disease prevention, and a reduction of risk factors driving the need for long-term care.
Cohen et al. (2007) studied this question.