The Art of Creative Expression

--by Joyce Remy

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

• An 82-year-old man, recently widowed, is suffering from depression. Encouraged to join a painting class at the local Senior Center, he finds himself expressing his sense of loss through his artwork, and begins to enjoy interaction with others in his class.
  
  
• A 71-year-old stroke patient struggles to improve coordination in her left hand. Writing is frustratingly difficult-but with the help of an art therapist, she discovers that the freedom of motion involved in wielding a paintbrush helps build coordination.
  
  
• A cancer patient, 64, who is undergoing chemotherapy, is invited to work with watercolors while she is in the hospital. She reports experiencing lessened side effects while she is immersed in the distraction of painting.

It has long been known that for people of every age, the act of creating is life enhancing and nourishing to the human spirit. For older adults, research demonstrates that participating in artistic expression provides many benefits:

Recreation Creating a craft project, making decorations for a special event, illustrating a thought, making something to give as a gift creating artwork is a pleasurable way to spend leisure time.

Self-Expression By making a work of art, we announce: "This is who I am. This is what I have to say." Expressive art can provide vivid access to memories, and is a useful starting point for reminiscence and life review. The act of creating allows us another way to share our lives.

Communication People who have difficulty expressing themelves verbally are often able to communicate through visual means. In cases of stroke, Alzheimer's, or other conditions resulting in speech difficulty, visual art can provide an alternative to verbal communication. A picture can indeed be worth 1,000 words.

Socialization 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.

Intellectual Stimulation The act of creating is a great way to exercise the brain and encourage retention of cognitive abilities. An art project can represent a stimulating challenge to be met, and in addition, can increase orientation and awareness for persons who are cognitively impaired. 

Emotional Well-Being Making an artwork taps into the emotions and allows us to better feel and express them. Art activity has been shown to decrease stress and depression. And self-esteem is enhanced through the sense of accomplishment that goes with creation.

Physical Benefits Drawing, sculpting or assembling artwork is beneficial to coordination and small motor movements. Focusing on creative effort has also been shown to help lessen physical pain.

Art programs are available for people of every level of skill and ability who wish to participate, including persons with physical or cognitive disabilities. To locate art opportunities in your community, check with...

• Senior Centers
• Community colleges
• Community education and lifelong learning classes
• Parks and recreation departments
• Adult day centers
• Art museum outreach programs.

Trained art therapists also offer sessions, either privately or through healthcare organizations. For more information, see the "Frequently Asked Questions" on the website of the American Art Therapy Association.

2004 Caresource Healthcare Communications