For Seniors, Art Benefits the Mind, Spirit, and Body

For some, art is a vocation...for others, a hobby. But regardless of a person's motivation for creating artwork, there is one aspect of art which you might not have considered: creating art has a therapeutic benefit.

It has long been known that for people of every age, the act of creation is life-enhancing and nourishing for the spirit. Now we know that the benefits go beyond the spiritual: recent studies have demonstrated that even when all the other variables are the same, older adults who participate in art programs have fewer doctor visits and lower healthcare costs, use less medication, experience a lower rate of depression, and even have fewer risk factors for entering a nursing home.


Here are ways art programs enrich and enhance the lives of older adults:


Recreation—Whether making a homemade gift, decorating for a special event, illustrating a thought, or working on a practical craft project, creating artwork is a pleasurable way to spend leisure time.


Self-expression— The act of creating is a powerful way to share our lives with others. By making a work of art, we announce, "This is who I am. This is what I want to say." Expressive art provides vivid access to memories, and is a useful starting point for reminiscence and life review.


Communication—People who have difficulty expressing themselves verbally are often able to communicate through visual means. For seniors dealing with the effects of a stroke, Alzheimer's, or other condition that causes speech difficulty, visual art can provide an alternative way to connect.


Socialization—Seniors who participate in the arts are less likely to experience feelings of loneliness and isolation. Art is a way of introducing ourselves to others. People are more likely to "come out of their shells" during shared experiences of play, fun, and spontaneity. Friendships grow during cooperative projects, or just from working side by side and discussing each other's creations.


Intellectual stimulation—Communication through art media exercises the brain and promotes memory health. An art project can represent a stimulating challenge to be met, inviting us to stretch our minds and look at the world in a new way.


Emotional well-being—Creative activity taps into the emotions and allows us to more openly experience and express our feelings. Participation in the arts has been shown to decrease stress and depression. It also promotes enhanced self-esteem.


Physical benefits—Drawing, sculpting, and assembling artwork are beneficial for coordination and small motor movements. Studies have also shown that creative activity lessens pain and even enhances the immune system.
Art programs are available for people of every level of skill and ability who wish to participate, including those with physical or cognitive disabilities. To locate art opportunities in your community, check with:

• Senior centers
• Community education and lifelong learning classes  
• Parks and recreation departments  
• Adult day centrers  
• Art museum outreach programs
• Art therapists

It’s never too late to pick up a paintbrush, dig your hands into sculptor’s clay, learn how make a quilt, work with your grandchildren on a work of computer art...the sky’s the limit when it comes to creativity!