Creative Arts Interventions in Addressing Depression in Older Adults: A Systematic Review

Depression experienced by older adults is proving an increasing global health burden, with rates as high as 27% in the USA. This is likely to increase in coming years as the number and proportion of older adults in the global population rises. Therefore, it is imperative that the effectiveness of approaches to the prevention and treatment of depression are understood. Creative arts interventions, including art, dance movement, drama, and music, are utilized internationally to reduce depressive symptoms in older adults and promote wellbeing. This includes interventions led by trained arts therapists as well as other health and arts professionals. This presentation will include a report of findings from a recent systematic review of the outcomes of four creative arts modalities (art, dance movement, drama, and music) with particular attention paid to processes of change documented in each modality.