Ah, Springtime…New beginnings. Flowers blooming. And a fresh new blog feature! 
Welcome to our inaugural Art Facts 101 Blog.
We’re kicking off this insightful category with a story on The Benefits of Studying Art for Seniors. Yes, art is fun and challenging, but did you know it has tremendous advantages, especially for seniors? Wait till you read what we discovered! Info courtesy of AmeriCARE Info and Forbes.
One major benefit of studying art for seniors is improved cognitive function. Art stimulates the senses to become sharper. Learning new art forms can enhance thinking skills and facilitates quick neural connections that may have deteriorated due to aging.
Drawing and painting can reduce feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress in seniors. Studies show that those who participated in creative arts experienced lower levels of depression and loneliness and were more positive in general. Woot!
Aging can lead to hearing and vision loss that often bring about negative feelings and stress for seniors. Focusing on drawing or painting helps those who are struggling to relax and focus on positive feelings. Engaging in art can help seniors better cope with these issues and provide positive outlets for their frustration.
Who knew that art can also have a positive effect on seniors’ physical well-being? When people practice skills like drawing and painting, they are physically exercising their hands and arms through movement. In doing so, muscle coordination improves, enhancing blood flow, and building better dexterity over time. This leads to an overall enhancement of motor skills.
Art may also help with disorders associated with chronic pain. Those suffering from joint conditions like arthritis may relieve the pain from inflammation because art allows them to focus more on their creativity and less on their pain. It also encourages relaxation which can help ease emotional pain.
Do you know a senior looking to meet new friends? Art classes can help with this! Seniors have an opportunity to meet like-minded creatives to interact and connect with on a regular basis. These connections can combat isolation while improving their emotional health.
Self-expression is a vital aspect of creativity. Seniors may have challenges with verbal communication due to mental or physical deterioration. Art provides an alternative method of expression for their feelings and thoughts.
Art can also help people think differently about life by allowing them to engage parts of their body and brain that they do not use frequently. Exploring new movement and thoughts can help to change their perspectives and find new joy.
Practicing creative arts can help seniors who suffer from memory loss caused by Alzheimer’s or dementia. Painting may even help to uncover forgotten memories about loved ones and old times. It can also present those living with memory loss a moment of clarity and the ability to function optimally.
It is evident that art can be very rewarding for seniors – promoting healthy and positive feelings, enhancing physical ability, and having a calming effect. Through the fun of creating, seniors will enjoy a better quality of life.
If you or someone you know would like to reap the benefits of drawing and painting, please feel free to set up a free consultation with Linda, founder/instructor of Pastimes for a Lifetime. Her inspiring curriculum will surely get your creativity flowing! Safe in-studio and on Zoom.
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- Linda Wehrli
We hope you enjoyed our first Art Facts 101 Blog. Now go tell Grandma and Grandpa to put on that smock and start creating!
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Art Facts 101 reviews fun, informative info on art. If you enjoyed this story, please feel free to share on your favorite social media. Comments appreciated! If there is an musician you would like us to feature, please comment below. Thank you for your support!
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I’ve been committed to continuing lifelong learning and inspiring creative thinking through art and music since 1989. I’d love to meet you! You’re welcome to chat with me on Zoom or stop by the studio. Just shoot me an email at Linda@pastimesinc.com and I’ll be glad to set up a mutually convenient time.
Love the article. I have always been enriched by having art in my life, whether it be me personally drawing and painting or going to museums and art festivals. Watching my daughter Linda reach out to seniors and helping them thru art has been a wonderful experience for them and for me.
Aww, thank you sweet mom. You’re my inspiration!
Thank you for the kind words, Phyllis. Indeed. 🙂