Living longer—and better. What's the secret? ART!
On a recent CBS Sunday Morning special, Jane Fonda and anti-ageism advocate Ashton Applewhite chat about the secrets to living longer and and more fulfilling lives. Spoiler alert... what do they recommend? ART CLASSES! That’s right—according to them, staying creative and finding community is crucial for adding several years to your lifespan and enjoying your later years to the max.
Other Benefits of the Arts for Seniors:
As we age, maintaining mental, emotional, and physical health becomes more crucial than ever. One powerful way for seniors to enhance their well-being is through engagement in the arts. Whether it’s painting, music, dance, or theater, the arts offer a variety of benefits that can significantly improve quality of life for older adults. Below are some of the ways in which participating in creative endeavors can be incredibly enriching for seniors.
1. Boosting Mental Health
The arts provide seniors with a means of self-expression and a healthy outlet for emotions, which can be especially important as we navigate life changes in our later years. The act of creating art—whether through painting, singing, dancing, or even writing—stimulates the brain and encourages a positive mindset. For example, studies have shown that seniors who engage in music or art activities experience lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, contributing to overall mental well-being.
2. Cognitive Benefits
Engaging in the arts also sharpens cognitive function. This could mean improving memory, enhancing problem-solving skills, or even slowing possible cognitive decline. Activities like learning to play an instrument, taking a dance class, or joining a community theater group engage the brain in ways that other activities may not. This mental stimulation can delay the onset of conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia, offering seniors a chance to keep their minds sharp while having fun.
3. Social Connection
Sometimes one of the greatest challenges for seniors is isolation, especially for those who live alone or have limited mobility. The arts provide a wonderful opportunity for seniors to connect with others. Art classes, theater performances, and group music sessions offer a sense of community and belonging. Participating in these social settings can help reduce feelings of loneliness, improve mood, and create lasting friendships. Social engagement through the arts can also build confidence and provide opportunities for seniors to showcase their talents.
4. Physical Benefits
The arts are not just a mental and emotional activity—they can also provide physical benefits, particularly when it comes to dance and movement-based arts. For seniors, engaging in dance or movement classes helps with flexibility, coordination, and balance, all of which are essential for maintaining physical health as we age. Even less physically demanding forms of art, such as painting or sculpting, can provide therapeutic hand-eye coordination benefits and promote fine motor skills.
5. A Sense of Accomplishment
Finally, the act of creating something beautiful or meaningful offers seniors a profound sense of accomplishment. Whether it’s completing a painting, performing a song, or crafting a sculpture, these tangible outcomes provide an immense sense of pride. This boost in self-esteem can enhance overall life satisfaction and offer seniors a way to remain active and engaged with their world, regardless of physical limitations.
As you can see, the arts are far more than just a form of entertainment—they are a vital tool for promoting health, happiness, and fulfillment in seniors' lives. Whether through mental stimulation, emotional expression, or physical activity, the benefits of the arts are undeniable. For seniors looking to enrich their lives, getting involved in artistic endeavors is a fantastic way to maintain joy and well-being well into the later years.
WEST VALLEY ART COUNCIL'S CREATIVE AGING PROGRAM
Creative Aging is a program for seniors in West Valley communities that advances the vital relationship between creative expression and healthy aging for participants ages 55 and up through classes and workshops in visual arts, dance, and music. We seek to especially serve seniors with limited resources so they too have access to the benefits of the arts.
