Art program for seniors improves emotional well-being

Seniors in Big Horn County, nestled in northwestern Wyoming, have the highest depression rate among their age group in the state, at 16%. They face disproportionate mental health challenges including financial insecurity, social isolation and a life expectancy nearly two years shorter than the state average. Recent needs assessments identified access to mental health services as a top concern, citing an across-the-board shortage of providers. 

In response, University of Wyoming Extension launched Art for Better Living in the spring of 2025 as a pilot initiative to support emotional well-being through the therapeutic power of creativity. The program delivered two tailored art series, six watercolor and five acrylic painting sessions, designed specifically for seniors facing depression, isolation and chronic stress. 

Each session was intentionally structured to combine artistic engagement with practical mental health education. Classes opened with a mental wellness topic and a guided breathing technique developed by a local clinical doctor and mental health expert. Each class included 90 minutes of hands-on painting instruction by local artists. Sessions ended with a short lesson on the power of gratitude and affirmation statements provided by a UW Extension educator, equipping participants with simple, evidence-based tools for emotional regulation. Every participant received a complete set of art supplies to take home, encouraging continued practice and reflection.

The Art for Better Living pilot reached 28 seniors; survey data indicated 72% of attendees felt more comfortable talking about emotions after the sessions, while 100% of attendees noted they were able to handle daily challenges more effectively. Eighty-nine percent of participants shared they now used breathing exercises as a stress management tool. Participants described Art for Better Living as more than just an art class — it was a lifeline. Many expressed that the program gave them a new sense of purpose and mental clarity during difficult times. 

By blending accessible mental wellness strategies with hands-on creative work, Art for Better Living offered a low-barrier, high-impact model for reaching rural seniors with limited access to formal mental health care. Initial outcomes demonstrate strong potential for replication across other counties.

University of Wyoming Extension | Project supported by Smith-Lever (3b&c) capacity funds; state appropriations. Photo courtesy of University of Wyoming Extension.