When Salina was in her 60s, she took a painting class at her local community center and was immediately hooked. Over the years, her hobby turned into a part-time money-maker, as she often sold her designs at regional art fairs. It turns out, the outlet isn’t just fulfilling, but it’s also healthy!
While some people might not consider art one of their strengths, everyone can create and enjoy it. Art is a way of letting your consciousness meet your unconsciousness. It can be an incredible medium to connect us both to parts of ourselves we didn’t know where there and to each other.
The landmark “Creativity and Aging Study” by Gene D. Cohen, M.D., Ph.D. demonstrated that professionally conducted, sequential arts-learning programs promoted better health and disease prevention among older adults who actively engaged in them. Cohen and other researchers have shown that structured arts education fosters mastery and promotes social engagement – key deterrents to feelings of isolation and loneliness at any age.
Producing art requires creativity which helps us improve our physical, mental and psychological well-being. Here are just a few of the benefits that art provides:
Improves mental health
- Provides a sense of control
- Reduces depression and anxiety
- Fosters a stronger sense of identity
- Nurtures spirituality
Elevates mood
- Helps individuals relax
- Assists in socialization
- Encourages playfulness and a sense of humor
- Increases self-esteem
Improving cognition and stimulation
- Reduces boredom
- Offers sensory stimulation through hearing, seeing and touching
- Opportunity to learn a new skill
- Actively uses both sides of brain simultaneously
Increased motor skills and coordination
- Helps with fine motor skills in the hands, wrists and fingers
- Improves balance
- Increases blood flow
- Increase in reaction time
Here are some ways to spark your creativity:
- Write your life story! Document the exciting and memorable moments in your life with these memoir prompts.
- Take an online class through Homethrive! Call us at (844) 343-8714 (TTY 711) to tell us what types of events you want to see.
- Sing along to some of your favorite classic songs with this Senior Sing Along playlist!
Now in her late 50s, Salina still paints every week, and after learning about the health benefits of her favorite hobby, she doesn’t intend to give it up.
If you’d like some ideas about staying creative and healthy as you age, give us a call at (844) 343-8714 (TTY 711).