“Youth is the gift of nature, but age is a work of art.” ~ Stanislaw Jerzy Lee
Art is a form of communication and expression and whether you’re 6 or 60 it conveys a message, feeling or thought to someone else. Art is also a great tool that has benefits for every age group.
With the general population living longer and healthier lives people often question what they are going to do with their free time. There are six features that were identified in a study published in the JOURNAL OF AGING for successful aging; a sense of purpose, interactions with others, personal growth, self acceptance, autonomy and health. Art and creative programs fulfill many of those features and more. This is not only true for the senior population, but for youth as well.
Art programs have a multitude of educational as well as health benefits. Art helps alleviate boredom, keeps minds busy and can even help diminish feelings of depression. Creative arts programs also allow for people to express their emotions and in some cases, underlying causes of other problems. For example, victims of child abuse can explain through a variety of mediums such as drawing a picture, or using puppetry to explain what had happened to them. Art for seniors conjures up memories of the past. Providing them with happy thoughts and memories of days gone by. Maybe they are painting their favorite vacation spot, a favorite pet or their favorite flower.
An important thing to remember in using art as a tool is that it is the PROCESS not the PRODUCT that is the beneficial component. Art is individualistic and each participant can see the same object in different way, therefore, every piece of art will be different. This provides the artist with a feeling of accomplishment. It also aids in maintaining focus, hand eye coordination and general cognitive abilities.
During my tenure as a Therapeutic Recreation Director I have been able to witness these benefits first hand. People that have never picked up a pencil or pen, paint or even clay have put out some spectacular pieces of art worthy of displaying for the public. Recently, one of my art groups had their work displayed in a local library. The library allowed them to have a small reception for family and friends and the feeling in the air that day was amazing!
Art is a great avenue for people to explore new fulfilling activities, explore their feeling and to see the world in a new light. So, no matter how old or how young, there are many positive things to take away from a creative arts program. Give it try and see what happens!!!
So grateful to be a part of The Culture Connection. What a great endeavor!