Enriching Arts: The Benefits of Arts Participation for Older Adults

Childhood is often spent nurturing the imagination through the arts. Many of us may have memories of doodling in our notebooks, exploring art museums or spending afternoons enamored with arts and crafts. These experiences help us explore our individual creativity and independence. As we get older, these activities often fall to the wayside. Instead of diving into the arts, our lives get busy with work, raising children or other endeavors. However, the importance of staying engaged with the arts increases with age. According to the National Institute on Aging, some research suggests that arts activities may be linked to improving health, self-esteem and well-being in older adults. The arts are also beneficial for older adults living with dementia. According to an article published by the American Journal Geriatric Psychiatry, music has been linked to reduced behavior symptoms of dementia, such as stress, aggression, agitation and apathy. While the arts are beneficial to people of all ages, it has unique benefits for older adults and those with dementia.

Benefits of Art for Older Adults

Older adults who go to concerts, plays, galleries or participate in community art groups have shown increased satisfaction with and a more positive outlook on life. According to AARP, engaging in the arts have a wide variety of benefits for older adults:

Helps boost self-esteem

Crafting requires concentration and consistency, especially when working on a long-term project or craft. These activities can boost focus and concentration, which provide a sense of accomplishment and pride.

Enhances fine motor skills

Arts and crafts can help improve and reduce joint pain, especially rheumatoid arthritis, which is common in older adults. Along with promoting blood flow in the body, arts and crafts can also ease emotional stress which can take the form of pain in the body.

Encourages communication

Art is the expression of ideas and thoughts in visual form. Capturing our emotions through art can help us work through our feelings and allow us to communicate better with others. Art is especially helpful for those struggling with depression or the loss of a loved one.

Increases empathy

Just looking at art can help improve our critical thinking skills and create joy. Observing other people’s art can help us understand others, respect differing opinions, and view the world in ways we haven’t yet experienced. When we embrace art, we increase our ability to empathize with others.

Improves mood

When we do something pleasurable, our brain releases dopamine which acts as a natural anti-depressant. Whether we’re creating something from nothing, or learning how to work with our hands, dopamine is released and protects us from feelings of depression.

Promotes socialization

Untreated isolation and loneliness can cause serious health problems in older adults, such as increased cognitive decline and depression. However, arts and crafts activities provide an opportunity to socialize with others, especially if you join a crafting group or club that meets consistently. Socialization, along with exercising your own creativity, can help enhance quality of life.

Acts as a form of therapy

As we age, communicating our thoughts and feelings can become difficult, especially if diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Finding new ways of communication becomes increasingly important with age. Participating in arts and crafts is a wonderful way to practice self-expression when traditional communication becomes more difficult.

Protects against aging

Making art has the ability to involve many different areas of the brain, which ultimately strengthens memory, processing, and problem-solving abilities. The more we provide a stimulating environment for our brains, their ability to become flexible and adaptable increases.

Ways to Engage with the Arts for Seniors

Participating in the arts doesn’t have to be limited to arts and crafts. In fact, there are many ways for seniors to engage with art both inside and outside of the home. Art can be an independent activity or it can be done as a group. This flexibility allows seniors to find what they like best and try new things along the way. Here are a few ways to get started:

• Visit a museum. Whether it’s an art or history museum, coordinating a visit to your local museum is a great way to unleash your creative side. Visiting an exhibit allows you to learn something new, exercise your critical thinking skills and nurture your inner artist. In fact, research suggests that just one annual visit to a museum may reduce a person’s risk of mortality by 14 percent.
• Plan a trip to the symphony. A poll conducted by the University of Michigan found that music helps older adults relieve stress, improve their mood, keep their minds sharp and connect with others. Attending the symphony or other live music events can help enrich our brain health and foster social connections.
• Participate in theater. According to the National Institute on Aging, acting can improve cognition and social engagement for seniors. When we act, we’re able to express our emotions, stimulate our brains and foster important connections.

Crafting for Seniors

Some older adults may choose to engage in the arts by working with their hands. These crafts are a great way for older adults to participate in the arts in the comfort of their own home. Crafting is especially beneficial for adults with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, particularly if they struggle with verbal communication.  Here are a few crafts to try with your loved one:

• Collages- This is a great way to help evoke memories while inspiring creativity. You might consider using newspaper clippings, or photographs from major life events to decorate your space.
• Greeting cards- This activity can be adapted to fit any skill level and can allow your loved one to feel connected to friends and family. Start with pre-cut shapes, photographs or glitter markers to make the cards special and unique.
• Clay modeling- This is a great way to use fine motor skills while also using your creative side. You can model the clay into certain shapes and dry them to make artistic embellishments to give as gifts to friends and family.

Getting Creative at Maplewood Senior Living

Our residents have been releasing their creative sides in many ways at our Maplewood Senior Living communities. From visiting the symphony and local art museum to rock painting and quilting, our residents have found many ways to unleash their inner artist. To learn more about our offerings or to schedule a tour, please contact us.