New research out of Houston, Texas suggests that engaging in the arts, including visual, performing, literary and culinary, may be just as beneficial to keeping hearts and brains healthy as exercise.

The Amazing Place Retirement Home in Houston has placed an emphasis on using the arts in its unique dementia day program in which participants with mild to moderate dementia engage in painting, singing, dancing and creative writing classes.

Researchers have found the “Everyone’s an Artist” program helps bring people out of isolation, gives them a sense of connection and enhances their ability to communicate