Using the creative arts as a tool to cope with mental and physical stress, art therapy helps individuals to gain an understanding of their feelings, and find ways to manage and express them. The practice of painting and drawing is often thought of as a hobby, but research shows that art therapy for the elderly can be an effective way to care for them physically and mentally. The purpose of art therapy is to promote health by utilizing expression and motion to help seniors regain normal functions. Although art therapy is typically conducted by professionals, regular art classes can have similar results to art therapy.
Here are some benefits of art therapy for the elderly.
Art Therapy Defined
Before you even convince your loved ones to undergo art therapy, let us define the term first. It is the use of creative arts to help people deal with physical and mental stress. Art is a form of non-verbal expression, of articulating what is on their minds with painting, sculpting and more, and this is just one of the many facets that make the therapy beneficial for the elderly. Your loved ones do not have to enroll in expensive art classes taught by professional artists. Regular ones will be enough to keep your loved ones’ minds busy and their imagination running.
Better Mood
Stress, anxiety, and depression are among mood triggers in the elderly. With art therapy, they become so absorbed in what they do, that they would have less time to think about the worrying things that are bogging them down. Over time, art therapy will help to slowly lower their levels of stress and anxiety, and imbibe feelings of positivity when they are into doing these creative works of art.
Better Cognitive Condition
Art therapy can enhance cognitive functions in different parts of the brain and let your loved ones retain new memories. Art forms like painting and music can help them to recollect long-gone memories about the past and family and friends. This is because new experiences can help your loved ones trigger the recollection of old ones. Art therapy can also help your loved ones who may be suffering from memory loss to have the ability to function optimally and think clearly.
More Opportunities to Socialize
Art therapy can be an excellent way to make new friends. Your loved ones can meet like-minded people at the therapy sessions. These new friends can help them fight loneliness, and your loved ones can widen their social circles. Talking to people who can understand and relate to you can be very therapeutic indeed. Your loved ones will become more open with their insights into life, ready to share and empathize with others.
Improved Motor Skills
Whether it is holding a pencil, using the crayon, or getting a grasp of the watercolor brushes, many of the aspects of art therapy are aimed at improving your loved one’s motor skills. As they engage in making their art pieces, they are constantly exercising their arms and hands through a movement that enhances their motor skills. As a result, they improve their muscle coordination, promote better blood flow, and develop improved dexterity.
These are some of the benefits that your loved ones will enjoy when you enroll them in art therapy classes. If they are residing in a retirement community, they will have the opportunity to reap all these benefits in the company of great friends and caring team members.
