Back in 2006, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) released research entitled The Creativity and Aging Study. The goal of this study was to measure the impact the arts, such as painting, poetry, music, theater, dancing, etc., had on the physical and mental health of adults age 65 and older.
Their findings revealed that the participants, who were an average age of 80 years old at the time of the study, reported specific improvements in their overall wellness after taking part in creative and cultural activities throughout a two-year period. For example, they visited the doctor less and needed fewer prescriptions and over-the-counter medications. The participants even reported less instances of falling, the number one cause of injury among seniors.
Creative Aging Equals Healthy Aging
Everyone has a creative side in some capacity. Maybe you enjoy taking ballroom dancing lessons or getting your thoughts and feelings down on paper. Perhaps you spend hours tinkering away on various projects in a woodworking shop or can make magic happen with a paintbrush. Regardless of whether you’re a full-time artist or simply like to explore your creativity in your free time, the arts can play an influential role in healthy aging.
The study by the NEA proves that tapping into your creativity on a regular basis is key to improving your mind, body, and soul as you age. Also, various studies have shown the extraordinary results music therapy has on individuals in the mid-to-late stages of dementia. Even for those who have become non-verbal, listening to music can help with memory recall, reduce negative behavioral expressions like agitation and irritability, and can even strengthen emotional ties between loved ones.
While the NEA plays a key role in developing creative opportunities for seniors, they are not alone in their efforts. Agencies like the National Institute on Aging provide grants across the country to allow older adults more access to art-related programming. Additionally, the National Center for Creative Aging has made it their mission to promote an understanding of the vital relationship between creative expression and healthy aging, and to develop programs to build upon this understanding.
Participating in creative activities has been known to have the following positive effects on seniors’ health and wellness:
- Promoting a sense of identity, accomplishment, and improving self-esteem
- Reducing feelings of boredom and offering a means to stimulate the senses
- Lowering stress levels to allow individuals to relax
- Alleviating depression or feelings of anxiety
- Improving cognition and memory recall
- Providing meaningful opportunities for social interaction
- Enhancing physical activity and fine motor skills
Explore Your Creative Side at Silver Maples Retirement Neighborhood
The best thing about the arts? It’s never too late to get started! Did you know that famous artist Grandma Moses didn’t begin painting until she was 78 years old? One of her paintings sold for well over a million dollars in 2006!
Artistic, musical, and cultural activities are a regular part of the enriching lifestyle offered at Silver Maples and the Chelsea community as a whole. From our Kaleidoscope Concerts live music series to our art therapy class, Music and Memory program and Gallery 100 art exhibits offered right on campus, to off-site excursions to The Purple Rose Theatre, the Wharton Center in Lansing and regular performances of the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, residents enjoy countless opportunities to expand their creative horizons. “Our resident Art Committee is devoted to making art engagement a part of daily life at Silver Maples,” comments Emily Meloche, Director of Wellness. “From the ongoing campaign to bring high quality works of art to hallways and common spaces, to the facilitation of the annual Harvest Art Market which connects residents with local artists.”
Learn more about our living options, or read personal insights and testimonials shared by residents, their families, community members, and our staff. If you’re ready to schedule your personal tour of our beautiful retirement neighborhood in Chelsea, Michigan, contact us today.
