Art therapy uses various types of creative arts to help seniors cope with stress. While there are professional art therapists, taking regular art classes and engaging in independent creative activities produce similar benefits. Professional art therapists will guide seniors using different types of expression and movement to improve the senior’s physical and mental health.
Top Benefits of Art Therapy
Improved Cognitive Function and Memory
Learning new ways to create art stimulates all the senses. It also enhances thinking skills which improves the neural connections in the brain. This can stave off cognitive decline and even improve cognitive function that results from age-related issues or dementia type diagnoses. Studies show that seniors who regularly participate in creative arts show signs of improved memory. It also allows those who suffer from memory loss moments of clarity during the self-expression which makes them feel in those moments as if they are functioning normally.
Improved Motor Skills
Using your hands and arms to physically create pieces of art improves muscle coordination, enhances blood flow and improves dexterity. For especially large canvases and murals, it can be a form of physical exercise that increases the heart rate and burns calories. Often these programs will play music in the background and the participants can dance and move as they create visual art.
Improved Mood
Participating in creative endeavors reduces feelings of anxiety and depression in seniors. Often these are conducted in group settings which provide a social component that combats loneliness. Concentration on producing the art product can help seniors get out of the thinking minds and get into the flow of creativity. Most leave the sessions feeling relaxed and energized by the activity and socialization.
Pain Relief
Many seniors suffer from various types of chronic pain. It may be from arthritis, inflammation or other illnesses. The relaxation found in creating art helps to ease pain and get the seniors’ minds off the painful symptoms.
Licensed professional art therapists can also work in clinical settings with seniors who suffer from serious mental health problems. Through this type of self-expression, the senior may be able to communicate and benefit from therapy through the form of art.
At Stouffer Legal, we care about our seniors and look for ways to improve quality of life and health. Many seniors can benefit from participating in programs geared toward unlocking creativity and providing social interaction in a fun setting. For more information on our elder law services such as estate planning, Medicaid planning, retirement planning and more contact us to set up a consultation. You can schedule an appointment by calling us at (443) 470-3599 or emailing us at office@stoufferlegal.com.
