ORLANDO, Fla. (Oct. 9, 2025) – Four organizations – Share the Care, Senior Resource Alliance, United Arts of Central Florida and AdventHealth – have teamed up to launch the Art in Health Teaching Artists Residency, a pilot program that leverages art to enrich the lives and overall health of local seniors.
Starting in October, Share the Care’s Adult Day Health Centers will host one of four courses over a period of eight weeks:
- Drumming & Percussion with Christopher America – performing rhythmic patterns as a group
- Community Clay Connections with Sarah Johnston and Jean Taras – molding ceramic flower bowls
- Visual Poetry & Collage with Nikki Barnes – combining poetry and collages
- Global Beats with Malanie LaJoie and Wanda Velez – exploring dances from around the world
By 2050, the U.S. population over 65 will more than double to 86.7 million people, and the global average lifespan is expected to extend by 10 more years, spotlighting why initiatives like this are essential.
United Arts of Central Florida will organize the classes, which will be led by professional teaching artists who have direct experience serving older adults, those with underlying memory care needs and other physical challenges. Senior Resource Alliance will direct the local population of older adults to the program. This initiative is made possible thanks to funding from AdventHealth, which will activate its staff volunteer base to help measure the heart rate and blood pressure of participants both before and after the workshops.
These courses take into consideration mobility restrictions as well as neurological and memory care challenges such as dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s that the adult participants face. The program will culminate with a celebratory event so that seniors can show their family and friends what they learned. This event will be open to the media.
Why This Matters
- Regular participation in arts activities has been linked to better sleep, reduced pain and decreased reliance on medications in older adults. (Frontiers in Psychology)
- Creative expression through painting, writing or music helps reduce anxiety and promote emotional healing in hospitalized patients. (Mayo Clinic, Humanities in Medicine Program)
- Social prescribing is a growing approach where healthcare providers connect patients with community activities like art, exercise or volunteering to support their health at little or no cost.
Quotes from Leadership
“Art is more than expression – it’s connection, healing, and joy,” said Mary Ellen Philbin, CEO of Share the Care. “It sparks memory, fosters community, and reminds each person of their unique story. Share the Care is excited to partner with these creative local organizations to incorporate this type of communication and expression within our Adult Day Health Centers.”
“This new pilot program demonstrates how much can be achieved when working together,” said Karla Radka, President & CEO of Senior Resource Alliance. “Research has shown the positive effect that art can have on older adults, and by bringing this class directly to Central Florida seniors, we make it easier for them to access those benefits.”
“In the coming decades, seniors will be our community’s largest population, and it is essential that our services reflect their unique needs,” said Jennifer Evins, President and CEO of United Arts of Central Florida. “We believe the arts offer a powerful way to support their health and well-being and are grateful to AdventHealth for the seed funding for this important pilot program and for SRA for their willingness to partner and learn together.”
###
About Share the Care
Share the Care is a not-for-profit organization providing services and support to family caregivers, enabling them to maintain their loved-one at home, delaying or eliminating the need for institutional care. Share the Care has been helping Central Florida caregivers for nearly 40 years. Reach out to them at (407) 423-5311 or visit www.helpforcaregivers.org for more information.
About Senior Resource Alliance
Senior Resource Alliance (SRA) is your local resource for accessing the many services and programs of the state and federal government, available to senior citizens, their caregivers and family members. SRA also is an objective clearinghouse for information and services offered by local, state, and national organizations. We have been serving our community since 1985. https://seniorresourcealliance.org/.
About United Arts of Central Florida
United Arts is Central Florida’s local arts agency that strengthens artists, creatives and arts organizations across the region. Through programs, funding and resources, United Arts helps local artists and art organizations achieve their impact goals. Through community engagement initiatives, the nonprofit organization strives to accomplish its vision of access to quality arts for everyone in Central Florida. Since
1989, United Arts has raised more than $200 million towards art, arts education, culture, science and history — an ongoing effort to enrich the community and inspire future generations.
About AdventHealth
AdventHealth is a connected network of care that helps people feel whole – body, mind and spirit. More than 100,000 team members across a national footprint provide whole-person care to nearly nine million people annually through more than 2,000 care sites that include hospitals, physician practices, ambulatory surgery centers, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, hospice centers, the AdventHealth app and more. Our wholistic approach to improving the health and prosperity of our communities is inspired by our mission to extend the healing ministry of Christ. For the latest news about AdventHealth, visit www.AdventHealth.com/news.
