Creative Expression and Artistic Pursuits with AI

Part of the "Generative AI for Aging Well" series

Creativity knows no age limit—but traditional artistic pursuits can sometimes feel out of reach, especially for those who feel they lack the training or tools. Generative AI is changing that. By removing technical barriers, these tools are enabling older adults to express themselves in new ways—through visual art, music, poetry, and beyond.

A mix of personal creation and AI support. This image is AI-generated. Its origins are a piece created by hand with markers, on paper. The original “artwork” will be shared at the end of the series. Each image associated with a specific post was generated based on a) the same original image; and b) a prompt based on the text of the post.

1. AI-Assisted Art

Generative image tools allow users to create rich visuals from simple prompts, sketches, or photos. For older adults, this can be an empowering form of expression that bypasses the need for fine motor control or prior training.

Tools like DALL·E, Craiyon, Dream by Wombo, or Adobe Firefly let users describe a scene or style and watch the image come to life.

Some platforms, like Paint by Text or Scribble Diffusion, allow users to transform rough sketches into polished illustrations or add to an existing image or photo.

This kind of low-barrier creativity can be therapeutic, fun, and socially engaging—especially in community workshops or intergenerational art sessions.

Note: While the benefits are real, it’s important to acknowledge that image generation requires more energy and water than text-based tools—and video generation requires even more. We’ll explore these environmental concerns as well as other concerns in the final posts of this series.

2. Generating Music

Even those who’ve never played an instrument can now create music. Generative music platforms allow users to describe a mood or genre (“gentle piano with a sense of nostalgia”) and receive original compositions.

Boomy, Aiva, and Soundraw are examples of tools that turn text prompts into music tracks.

These tracks can be shared with family, used for storytelling projects, or even inspire movement-based activities.

Music creation can be deeply personal, stirring memories or emotions that might otherwise be hard to access.

3. Personalized Poetry and Literature

Many older adults have stories to tell, but need a bit of support shaping them. Generative AI writing assistants can help:

ChatGPT, Sudowrite, or Poem Portraits can co-write poetry or help draft short fiction.

These tools suggest language, rhythm, or structure—supporting users as they develop their own creative voice.

Workshops pairing AI and writing are already helping older adults rekindle or discover a love for storytelling and wordplay.

See the previous post titled "Personalized Storytelling and Reminiscense with AI" for details.

Looking Ahead

Generative AI doesn’t diminish creativity—it democratizes it. For older adults, these tools open up playful, restorative, and affirming ways to engage with the arts. Next, we’ll explore how AI can also support mental sharpness through cognitive stimulation and lifelong learning.