Creating art is a great form of expression at any age. It is even more beneficial as people get older as it may become more difficult for someone to express themselves in other ways. Not only is art helpful emotionally, but also from a health perspective.
There has been research into the subject which concluded that seniors who regularly turn to art or other creative outlets will be less likely to need to visit the doctor. It is for this reason and the reasons outlined below that Little Croft Care Home encourage residents who wish to take part in creative activities do so regularly with different materials and themes.
Improve mood
Art can be especially beneficial for those in a care setting as a mood booster. Taking time regularly to be creative can reduce the likelihood of anxiety, stress and depression. The benefits of art on those with mild dementia are also sizeable due to the amount of stress and confusion that dementia can cause, art can be a way to calm the mind and regain control. There are also other stressors that can be brought about by ageing, such as loss of hearing and vision. Focusing on a creative activity can promote calmness and bring about positive feelings.
Art also works as an outlet for negative feelings such as frustration.
Good for the brain
Art can be a challenge and act as stimulation as you learn a new skill, which is great for the brain. It causes neurons to be stimulated and new neuron pathways to be built, this further benefits the white matter of the brain and can slow down the decline in brain function. This ensures a healthier brain for longer. Making art and even viewing art causes the brain to continue to adapt, restructure, and reshape, this leads to an increase in the potential to increase brain capacity. Studies have shown that creative activities can slow down memory disorder development and the onset of conditions such as Dementia.
Finding inspiration to create art can also bring back old memories which may not have been recalled for some time. Putting these memories into paper is especially good for the brain, it also uses parts of it that haven’t been used in some time.
Enhances motor skills
Practising skills that involve exercising the hands and arms can improve muscle coordination, build dexterity and enhance blood flow. It is especially beneficial for those with limited physical abilities who may struggle to get these benefits from other activities. The arm and hand movements involved can also help those with arthritis controlling swelling and pain.
Encourages socialisation
At Little Croft not only do residents experience these benefits of art, but at the home, these activities are often done as a group where our residents can also reap the benefits of socialisation, such as improving self-esteem and self-worth.
At Little Croft, we have regular creative activity days where our residents get the opportunity to use varied artistic mediums to take some time to create, have fun, and express themselves in a way that is beneficial for mind and body.