Art Benefits the Spirit...and Body!

Joyce Remy, IlluminAge Communication Partners

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.

It has long been known that for people of every age, the act of creation is life-enhancing and nourishing to the human spirit. And the benefits aren’t just spiritual: recent studies by the George Washington University Center on Aging, Health & Humanities 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 have fewer risk factors for entering long-term care.

Here are just a few areas where art programs enrich and enhance the lives of older adults:

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 themselves 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—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.

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—Creative activity taps into the emotions and allows us to more openly feel and express them. Participation in the arts has been shown to decrease stress and depression, as well as enhancing self-esteem.

Physical Benefits—Drawing, sculpting or assembling artwork is beneficial to coordination and small motor movements. And several studies have shown that creative activity lessens pain and even benefits the immune system!

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

Visit the website of The Center on Aging, Health & Humanities at The George Washington University Medical Center to read studies on how creativity benefits older adults. See also The Creativity and Aging Study.

The National Center for Creative Aging offers resources and information about some of the latest research on the multiple benefits of art programs for seniors.

The American Art Therapy Association website includes resources for professionals and consumers about the healing properties of art.

© IlluminAge Communication Partners