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Creativity for Seniors: A Few Simple Ideas to Transform Your Life
~ by Angela Kambarian
Let’s face it, when it comes to creativity, it is never too late to get your creative juices flowing and engage in a variety of artistic pursuits. Even if you’ve never thought of yourself as the imaginative type, now may be a good time to re-evaluate your potential, expand your horizons, and develop a new set of skills. You will be glad you did.
Remember, no one is expecting you to magically transform into Picasso or Robert Frost and deliver a world-renowned masterpiece. In fact, if you feel pressured to create something riveting or spectacular, your enthusiasm may subside and you may be reluctant to move forward. It’s the learning process and a sense of personal fulfillment that matter the most – not necessarily the outcome. As stated on Diversus Health, being creative has countless benefits for older adults. It can dramatically improve the function of your immune system, enhance brain function, boost your mood and strengthen a sense of identity, among other things.
So here are a few stimulating activities to get you on the path to self-fulfillment, help you unleash your creative potential, and revitalize your health. Don’t be afraid to try something new, no matter how old you are. Just get the ball rolling, bring your ideas to life, and see how it is going to invigorate your lifestyle.
The benefits of painting are undeniable. It is not only a therapeutic activity and a good way to relax and de-stress, but also an amazing skill and a beautiful art form that can evoke a positive reaction among your friends and loved ones. You can paint on your own or organize painting sessions with the most important people in your life and enjoy quality time together. Think of it as “bonding over art” which can be incredibly fulfilling for everyone involved. In addition to painting, you can also engage in book coloring, scrapbooking, or any similar activities that have become so popular among people of different ages, including seniors.
Just as you can create beautiful paintings with a brush, you can paint amazing stories with words. It goes without saying that poetry is good for the soul and may reflect some of your deepest emotions, feelings, or concerns. Putting words on paper and digging into your thoughts is a great way to develop emotional awareness. According to studies provided by Harvard Health Publishing, poetry writing lowers stress and anxiety, wards off depression, and even improves memory among seniors. Alternatively, you can start writing short stories or even a memoir, and surprise yourself and others with your creative ideas.
Craftmaking is not only for little kids or elementary school students. The Center on Aging, Creativity and Humanities at the George Washington University released a study stating that senior citizens who regularly engage in crafting usually experience significant psychological and physical benefits. Some experts maintain that this activity can reduce the chances of developing a cognitive impairment by up to 50%. From knitting and sewing to jewelry making or designing heart-shaped baskets, these activities can help you improve and refine your motor skills, enhance your hand-eye coordination and gain more confidence. You may also consider book coloring, scrapbooking, or candle making. As stated by National Library of Medicine, crafting can impact different parts of the brain which ultimately strengthens memory, processing, and problem-solving skills.
In conclusion, embracing a creative lifestyle can transform your mental, emotional and physical health making it a worthwhile undertaking. You will have a sense of accomplishment and feel better about yourself which will help you enhance your interactions with others. Research studies (such as this one done by Lesley University) suggest that encouraging creative expression can improve the quality of life for seniors, give them a sense of purpose, revitalize their minds, improve coordination and concentration, and boost their physical health. The time to start creating is now!
The information in the above article is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.