I believe that the arts illuminate and enrich our lives. This can happen by creating artwork, playing music, dancing, or seeing a play. In art therapy, art provides creative avenues to learn about ourselves, to relax and to heal. There has been increasing evidence that the arts are very meaningful and helpful for older people, and for people with dementia. The arts can help people connect with each other, build confidence, be stimulated and relax.
For more information, see https://www.unforgettable.org/blog/how-can-music-and-art-therapy-aid-dementia/ and http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/03/07/using-the-arts-to-promote-healthy-aging/.