The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic is joining with community groups to launch RxArts NEPA, which it calls an “arts prescription” program for older adults.
Providing six meaningful arts events in six months for “under-resourced” Lackawanna County residents over age 55 is intended to benefit mental health and improve quality of life.
The events for the first group will be free and held monthly on some Tuesday afternoons from September through February at Marywood University. The programs may include a variety of genres, based on people’s tastes in music, visual art, drama or other creative experiences.
Lackawanna County residents, or their caregivers, can express interest at Agefriendlylackawanna.com/arts-therapy. They may also be referred by healthcare providers, nonprofits, county agencies and municipal partners. There are 25 spots available. Participants may bring a caretaker with them if they choose.
“Arts prescribing is a creative way to reduce and combat social isolation among older adults,” Sara McDonald, director of the Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging, said in a media release.
Other wellness goals include improved mental health, cognitive enrichment, improved mobility and better sleep.
There are similar programs in more than 30 countries and dozens of places in the United States, according to the media release.
Lunch and transportation assistance will be provided as needed.
The Philharmonic and the Area Agency on Aging are working with the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike Counties; Age Friendly Lackawanna; and Marywood University music therapy and visual art therapy programs. Support for the program is also provided by the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s Women in Philanthropy and Community Needs initiatives.