В Лакаванне запущена первая в штате программа «рецептов искусства» для пожилых людей

Program set to eventually expand The NEPA Philharmonic and its community partners have launched a new arts prescription program designed to connect Lackawanna County residents 55 and older with free arts experiences aimed at reducing loneliness and social isolation. RxArts NEPA is one of Pennsylvania’s first dedicated arts prescription programs for older adults, according to organizers. The pilot program will provide six free daytime arts events over six months, with programming based on participants’ artistic interests and wellness goals. Experiences will include music, visual art, drama and other creative activities. The program is open to Lackawanna County residents 55 and older and their caregivers, with priority given to low-income individuals and those with limited access to social and artistic opportunities. Events for the inaugural cohort will be held monthly on select Tuesday afternoons from September through February at Marywood University. Food and transportation assistance will be available to participants who need it. Participants may self-refer or be referred by health care providers, nonprofit organizations, county agencies and municipal partners. Referrals also may be submitted by caregivers. Following a referral, an Arts Navigator will contact prospective participants to confirm eligibility and assess their interests, artistic preferences and wellness goals. Selected participants will join a cohort of more than 25 older adults and their caregivers. Each participant will take part in six arts-centered experiences during the six-month program. The program is designed to support a range of wellness outcomes, including cognitive enrichment, confidence, empathy, creative expression, mobility, motivation, relaxation, reminiscence, resilience, socialization, happiness and improved sleep quality. Organizers also are conducting a two-year economic and qualitative analysis of the program’s impact. “Arts prescribing is a creative way to reduce and combat social isolation among older adults,” said Sara McDonald, director of the Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging. “Through this partnership with the NEPA Philharmonic, older adults and caregivers will connect to meaningful activities, programs and social activities aimed at creating social connections, building a sense of belonging, reducing loneliness and connecting with others from our community.” Chason Goldschmitz, executive director of the NEPA Philharmonic, said arts prescribing programs are expanding internationally and in the United States. “The NEPA PHIL is proud to be part of the Age Friendly Lackawanna collaborative and to partner with United Way and Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging,” Goldschmitz said. “We are excited to utilize the unique power of arts experiences to address the growing and critical health needs of our region, especially for older adults, through one of Pennsylvania’s first programs of this kind.” Organizers expect the initiative to reduce social isolation while improving mental health and quality of life. The program currently is limited to Lackawanna County residents, but the NEPA Philharmonic hopes to expand it throughout the region with additional cohorts in 2027 and 2028. The program is a collaboration among the NEPA Philharmonic, United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike Counties, the Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging, Age Friendly Lackawanna and Marywood University Music Therapy & Visual Art Therapy. Support has been provided by the Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging, United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike and the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s Women in Philanthropy and Community Needs initiatives. Interested participants and caregivers can submit referrals through agefriendlylackawanna.com/arts-therapy. Local journalism matters, and your support makes it possible. You can help sustain this work by making a donation or choosing one of our subscription options. Subscribers enjoy valuable benefits, including full access to our e-edition, a reduced ad experience on timesleader.com, and more. Your support helps ensure independent, high-quality local news remains available today and for future generations. Thank you for standing with local journalism.