Although members are not required to be artists, they should be art-loving. “The things that I value will be the same things that my neighbors value,” says Parker. “Community is a good thing for everybody — you get to take advantage of everybody’s skills and talents — it’s a healthier way to live.”

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There’s a good reason for that to happen: A growing body of research suggests that creativity and artistic expression contribute to healthy aging. Creativity is linked to decreased stress, better cognitive health, self-acceptance and a sense of purpose. Gay Hanna, executive director of the National Center for Creative Aging, observes that “art is spiritual and it’s community building.”

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“We found that trying to find a location that is suitable for most people is a little difficult when you’re all over the country,” said Myroup. But the rocking pre-retirees have narrowed down their parameters. The goal is to find property that is affordable in an area with a low cost of living; within an hour of an international airport; near a good hospital, cultural venues and a college campus; and, surprise, surprise, marijuana tolerant. The top states the group is considering: North Carolina, Tennessee, California, Oregon and Arizona.

Creativity and artistic expression contribute to healthy aging. I did not realize that till now.