According to Age UK, more than 2 million people in England over the age of 75 live alone, and more than a million older people say they go for over a month without speaking to a friend, neighbour or family member. Meaningful engagement with the world around you in later life, such as through social and/or creative activities, can contribute in excess of 20 per cent to a person's wellbeing.
Celebrating Age: Arts and Cultural Organisations Leading Change was developed in response to figures from the Taking Part Survey, which show that participation in arts and culture falls dramatically over the age of 75. The programme supports arts and cultural organisations to develop dedicated, high-quality programmes of activity focused on engaging older people, placing them at the heart of the activity. Celebrating Age is a £3 million partnership fund between Arts Council England and the Baring Foundation, supported by National Lottery funding, which has been awarded to successful applicants over two rounds, the first round being awarded in February 2017.
