Healthy Aging in Roswell GA
Get Your Creative Juices Flowing
Creative aging is defined as “the practice of engaging older adults (55+) in participatory, professionally run arts programs with a focus on social engagement and skills mastery (Lifetime Arts).” Simply put, creating aging allows older adults to embrace and enjoy aging through art and creativity. Most creative outlets also provide physical and mental benefits associated with healthy aging.Retirement is a Blank Canvas
Self-expression through art is a skill that only grows with age. For example, Michelle Stuart is an 87-year-old who has collections of paintings and sculptures that have been in museums since 1968. According to her, all of life’s experiences have made her into a better artist. “Experience certainly gives you insights into things that you didn’t have in your earlier years. You’ve made more things, you’ve honed your craft, you’ve experienced more books, you’ve experienced more criticism or praise. You don’t need to worry about what people think. There’s that kind of freedom.” Whether it’s painting, drawing, or sculpting, art therapy is a great way to express your emotions and experiences without using words. These forms of art therapy have countless benefits for older adults—and you don’t even need to be a professional artist to gain them. Some of the advantages of art therapy include:- Creates a sense of control: Research has been done on the relationship between healthy aging and the sense of control or feeling confident and comfortable with specific tasks. This level of empowerment also increases the likelihood of adults exploring new opportunities and taking on new challenges.
- Reduces stress and anxiety: Creating art can be an effective way of relieving stress and anxiety, and even fighting depression.
- Stimulates mental and physical functioning: Through art therapy, individuals with dementia or other cognitive conditions can express themselves and share thoughts, emotions, and memories. The act of creating art can also help improve coordination and dexterity.
It’s Music to Your Ears
Music has a particularly special place in our lives. You’ll always remember the songs you played on the radio when you first learned to drive or the song that you danced to at your wedding. Interestingly enough, you might even remember all the words. This is because listening to music activates unique parts of our brain, including those related to language, memory, creativity, and rhythm. Much like art therapy, music therapy fosters creative and healthy aging, especially in those with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. The act of listening or playing music can enhance mood and memory, making it an effective therapy choice that’s both creative and beneficial. Other benefits of music therapy include:- Social interaction: Playing instruments in a group setting is an excellent way to spend time with other like-minded individuals. Each person can contribute their unique talents to a larger group to create a harmony of sounds.
- Mood enhancer: Listening to music connects with the part of our brains that deal with emotions. Music can make you feel happy, sad, contemplative, or energetic.
- Memory aid: Music can help recall a specific happy period in your life, and music therapy is a great tool used with individuals with dementia. According to Harvard Health, “the unique way that musical memories are stored in the brain may explain why people with Alzheimer’s disease are sometimes able to remember music, even when other memories elude them (Harvard Health Publishing).”