A Painting Class That Expands Brain Health, Fights Ageism, and Empowers Every Artist
As Americans continue to live longer and healthier lives, research shows that the aging brain is far more adaptable than once believed. Dr. Gene Cohen’s groundbreaking Creativity and Aging Study (2006) revealed that older adults who participate in professionally led arts-learning programs experience improved cognitive functioning, better emotional well-being, and even physical health benefits. His work helped fuel the Creative Aging movement — a movement that embraces artistic expression as a powerful tool for lifelong learning, confidence, and community.
LIFTT is proud to bring this approach to our community through a new Creative Aging acrylic painting class, offered as an extension of our Brain Health program. Supported by a grant from the Montana Arts Council, this class is designed for older adults and people with disabilities of ANY age. Here, everyone is welcome. Brain health is not one-size-fits-all — and neither is creativity.
Brain Health Can Look Like Many Things
Traditional brain health topics — like nutrition, sleep, memory, and exercise — are important, but they are only one piece of the puzzle. Our new Creative Aging class shows participants that brain health can look completely different from what they expect. It can look like:
- creativity, curiosity, and imagination
- meaningful community and friendships
- expressing yourself through color and story
- returning to an old hobby you once loved
- learning a new skill at your own pace
- finding joy, purpose, and confidence
- discovering that you can do something you were once told you couldn’t
Many students come in thinking they’re “not artists” or that it’s “too late to learn.” But that’s not true. If someone told you that you can’t — they were wrong. If you want to, you can. This class exists to prove that.
Inclusive for the Aging AND Disabled Community
LIFTT is committed to accessibility and inclusion. This isn’t a class only for older adults — it is equally designed for people with disabilities of any age, beginners, experienced artists, and anyone who simply wants to explore creativity and brain health in a supportive environment.
Art has no age limit. Creativity has no ability requirement.
Everyone is an artist here.
What the Class Includes: A 10-Week Painting Journey
This Creative Aging program is a structured 10-session acrylic painting course, taught by a trained teaching artist. It blends brain health learning with hands-on art instruction, community connection, and freedom of expression.
Painting Skills Students Will Learn
- Color mixing and understanding paint
- Layering, shading, and blending
- Composition and layout
- Developing your own style
Self-Paced & Choice-Based
Every learner is different. The class adapts to each student’s pace, comfort level, and goals. You also get to choose what you paint, including:
- landscapes
- portraits
- animals
- memories
- abstract pieces
- or any subject that inspires you
This freedom encourages creativity while still offering professional support every step of the way.
Fighting Ageism Through Art & Learning
Ageism — the assumption that older adults can’t learn, grow, create, or improve — is widespread and harmful. This class challenges those beliefs directly.
Each session includes discussions about:
- Aging with strength and dignity
- The power of lifelong learning
- How creativity supports brain health
- Valuing people for their potential, not their limitations
- Seeing each other as artists, not labels
This program helps participants replace stereotypes with confidence, ability, and pride.
How Art Supports Brain Health
Painting benefits the brain in multiple ways:
Cognitive Benefits
- Increases neuroplasticity
- Strengthens memory and focus
- Supports problem-solving and planning
- Improves fine motor coordination
Emotional & Mental Health Benefits
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Boosts mood and self-esteem
- Provides emotional expression
- Creates a sense of purpose and accomplishment
Social Benefits
- Reduces loneliness and isolation
- Builds friendships and community connections
- Encourages shared learning and support
- Creates a positive identity as an artist
This program is brain training wrapped in joy.
Week 11: Community Art Show / Open House
After the 10-week course, LIFTT will host a Week 11 Art Show and Open House to celebrate the hard work and creativity of every student.
Family, friends, staff, and community members will be invited to view the artwork, meet the artists, and appreciate the beauty of Creative Aging in action. Students get the chance to shine, share their stories, and take pride in what they have created.
A Class That Honors Every Brain, Every Ability, and Every Story
By offering this Creative Aging painting class, LIFTT is expanding what brain health looks like and breaking down barriers around aging and disability. We are creating a space where adults can:
- learn new skills
- Reconnect with old passions
- express themselves freely
- fight isolation
- build lasting friendships
- and discover the artist within
This class is not just about painting — it’s about empowerment, wellness, community, and rediscovering what you’re capable of. If you want to create, you can. If you want to grow, you can. And at LIFTT, you are welcome just as you are.
For more information about the Creative Aging Painting Class and other brain health initiatives at LIFTT, please contact Eileen Rodriguez at (406) 294-5185, or eileenr@liftt.org
About Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT): LIFTT is a Montana 501(c)3 corporation organized as a Center for Independent Living (CIL). With team members based in Billings and Glendive, LIFTT provides aging and disabled members of the community with programs and services that help empower them to break down the physical, bureaucratic, and cultural barriers that prevent them from being fully independent participants in their lives and communities throughout 18 counties in southeastern and south-central Montana: Big Horn, Carbon, Carter, Custer, Dawson, Fallon, Garfield, Golden Valley, McCone, Musselshell, Powder River, Prairie, Richland, Rosebud, Stillwater, Treasure, Wibaux, and Yellowstone. For more information, please visit liftt.org or download our mobile app for your Apple device.
Our Vision: Empowering aging and disabled individuals to LIFTT themselves above the barriers of life.
Our Mission: Living Independently for Today and Tomorrow – LIFTT’s mission is to empower aging and disabled individuals to live independently through education, support, and opportunities.