Examining the impact of creative therapies on older adults revealed critical opportunities to enhance emotional well-being and occupational engagement in aging populations. This capstone project addressed the growing need for holistic, non-pharmacological interventions by conducting a comprehensive literature review of peer-reviewed studies published between 2013 and 2024. The review synthesized evidence from randomized controlled trials, qualitative research, mixed-methods studies, and systematic reviews to evaluate the effectiveness of music, visual arts, storytelling, and expressive writing in supporting psychosocial outcomes for home-dwelling older adults. These creative modalities consistently demonstrated benefits in mitigating depression, reducing social isolation, strengthening identity, and improving emotional regulation. Guided by the cognitive behavioral frame of reference and model of human occupation, the project frames creative engagement as a meaningful, evidence-supported intervention that aligns with occupational therapy principles. Although the project did not collect original data, the findings highlight the relevance of accessible, client-centered creative therapies in promoting quality of life and supporting aging in place. The final deliverable is a scholarly manuscript contributing to occupational therapy scholarship by offering practical guidance for integrating arts-based strategies into care plans, informing future research, and supporting policy initiatives promoting psychosocial health in older adults.
