Benefits of Art and Painting for Seniors
If you’ve always wanted to learn how to paint and let your creativity shine, it’s never too late to learn. Art therapy, painting classes and crafting sessions are offered at many of our retirement homes across Canada and everyone can take part in the fun. No matter your skill level, this is an opportunity for you to develop your artistic skills and try something new to challenge your creativity!
Not only is it a fun activity, but studies show that art therapy has many benefits for seniors, both for your physical and mental health. Join is in taking a look at some of the benefits you’ll get from participating in the next paint night or art program!
Art is a great way to boost your mood
Art therapy helps improve your overall mental health and wellbeing. By pursuing a creative endeavour, you’re less likely to suffer from depression or anxiety. Artistic pursuits also improve your self-esteem and give you a greater sense of control, which are essential qualities for living independently as you age. Plus, you get to walk away with something you’ve created yourself!
On top of that, artistic practices can boost your cognitive functioning and sense of identity. These qualities are also important in helping you feel fulfilled and independent.
Art therapy improves physical health
Painting and art therapy also offer benefits to your physical health. Perhaps most obviously, painting improves your hand-eye co-ordination and dexterity. The positive psychological and emotional benefits of art therapy also tend to seep into other areas of your life. For example, seniors who participate in the arts have been shown to require fewer hospital visits, less medication and they have fewer falls. By practicing art, you could be giving your physical health a significant boost.
Painting helps build connections
At our retirement homes, art and painting are great ways to meet other residents, particularly those who share your interest in developing their creative sides. In this way, art helps combat loneliness, along with issues like depression and anxiety that can stem from social isolation.
Similarly, if you have a loved one in care who is battling dementia, painting can be a way to maintain a dialogue with them even when they aren’t able to express themselves in words. Art therapy is often used by individuals with dementia and other mental impairments as a way to visualize their feelings, which can give loved ones an opportunity to feel more connected to them.
Find An Engaging Community with Retirement Concepts
At Retirement Concepts, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of art and painting at our retirement homes where art therapy is available. We also host a series of successful “paint nights” for our residents. Contact us today to learn more about art therapy and the other services offered at our welcoming retirement communities in Alberta, British Columbia and Quebec.