Meet an Art Pharmacy Patient - Janise, 68

Janise, a 68-year-old Art Pharmacy patient, was suffering from social isolation when she was initially referred to Art Pharmacy by her primary care physician. The focus was to increase her socialization and interaction with others to improve her mental well-being.

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy recently released an advisory raising awareness to the growing public health crisis of loneliness, isolation, and lack of connection nationwide. Loneliness and isolation increase an individual’s risk of developing mental health issues. Specifically, older adults are at increased risk for loneliness and social isolation because they are more likely to live alone, lose loved ones and suffer chronic illness.

To reach Janise’s health goal and personal interests, she was connected to a crocheting class at her neighborhood senior center, and it took.  Janise continued to participate in classes that were of interest to her. In addition to participating in a variety of classes, she began to cherish the community that the center provided.

Janise became an active member and visited daily after becoming familiar with the center’s offerings, staff and members. 

Within the year of staying active and engaged in regular arts activities, Janise saw a significant decrease in her social isolation and loneliness. Her overall mental health improved so much that she began leading a community volunteer group at the center which brings her joy and purpose.

Throughout her Art Pharmacy-prescribed activities, her emotional well-being stabilized and has consistently reported an improved WHO-5 general well-being index score with dramatic improvement from a baseline of 15 for a net increase of 47 percent.

Art Pharmacy is proud to be a part of Janise’s care continuum and help her overcome the social isolation that is common amongst individuals her age. This arts engagement treated her mental health condition by providing an outlet to express her creativity and establish a community with other individuals.

*Patient name has been changed for this article.