Whether you are a professional artist or simply love art as a hobby, all of us can enjoy the therapeutic process of art creation. Art therapy came about from the idea that creative expression and art may help folks improve their emotional, physical, and mental health and general well-being.
In art therapy, folks are guided by an expert art therapist who assists them in engaging with various art forms while simultaneously addressing their emotional, physical, or mental health concerns. For seniors, participating in art therapy and creating art may be especially beneficial. Let us take a look into some of the leading benefits of art therapy for older adults.
Increased coordination and motor skills
In art therapy, seniors concentrate on one task like drawing, painting, sculpting, or an additional creative project. Interacting in those light physical tasks increases blood flow and assists in improving coordination, which might improve dexterity within the fingers, wrists, and hands. In turn, art therapy may help seniors with arthritis or additional joint conditions manage chronic pain and inflammation.
Cognitive stimulation and function
Interacting in art therapy challenges seniors to think creatively and increases cognitive function. The process of learning new things, like a new art skill, aids in stimulating healthy brain activity and keeps the mind sharp. Research even suggests that art might decrease the rate of development of memory diseases like Alzheimer’s disease. For older adults who live with memory loss, the process of making art may be an avenue for self-expression and communication.
Improved mental health and mood
Art therapy is notorious for lessening feelings of stress, depression, and anxiety in folks of all ages. In research, seniors who were involved in arts activities experienced reduced levels of depression and loneliness. Participants discovered that the calming act of putting a pencil or paintbrush to paper helped them be calm and concentrate on positive feelings. Art therapy, ultimately, may be a powerful tool that helps seniors cope with common problems like stress, loneliness, and isolation, which might be caused by age or health-associated changes.
Chances for social connection
In many instances, art therapy happens in a social environment, encouraging participants to socialize, as well as facilitate communication with the ones around them. For seniors who might struggle with feelings of isolation or loneliness, art therapy provides them the chance to exercise their social skills, as well as make new friends in a casual, relaxing setting.
With so many positive advantages, it is simple to see why many assisted living communities provide art therapy programs and art classes that helps older adults experience an improved quality of life and appreciate the freedom and fun of creating.
Optimum Personal Care offers our residents art classes, art therapy, and fun with flowers. To learn more, contact us in Missouri City, TX at 281.565.4144.