Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words
We know that, in general, exercising our creative inner selves enhances quality of life and nurtures overall well-being but studies in art therapy confirm that creative, artistic pursuits can provide older adults especially with multiple benefits, having a positive effect on the mind, soul – even the body.
As well as being highly cathartic, art appreciation helps boost seniors’ happiness and confidence with artistic activities such as painting or colouring keeping their mind focused and giving them a sense of purpose. It is even known to reduce feelings of anxiety, isolation, thanks to the release of dopamine, the ‘feel-good’ chemical – a natural anti-depressant found in the body.
Just as with young children, something as simple as cutting and sticking or painting can help with an elderly person’s dexterity and motor skills. It also helps with hand-eye coordination; following a pattern or creating a design of their own stimulates different parts of the brain. Creative therapy is also an ideal activity for those with dementia and Alzheimer’s as painting or colouring will take them back to happy times spent as a child, or with their own children.
A study in the US concluded that the arts do have a positive effect on health and illness as we age and that artistic activities offer a wide range of benefits, including:
- relaxation
- providing a sense of control
- reducing depression and anxiety
- reducing boredom & helping with socialisation
- encouraging playfulness and a sense of humour
- improving cognition & offering sensory stimulation
- increasing self-esteem & fostering a stronger sense of identity
Here at Birchwood Care Services, we firmly believe in the therapeutic benefits of the creative arts and our team of dedicated carers are happy to support our clients with art sessions as well as taking them to local art events and exhibitions. Our friends at Birchwood House also regularly encourage residents to take part in art & craft sessions.
Other articles you may like
- Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday 2023
The weekend of November 11 marked the annual Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday memorial in the UK and Commonwealth. Birchwood Care Services joined the nation in honouring members of the armed forces who died in the line of duty during the First World War and beyond. - Protecting health and wellbeing in home care
Protecting health and wellbeing in home care At Birchwood Care Services, the health and wellbeing of our clients is at the forefront ofContinue reading “Protecting health and wellbeing in home care” - Celebrating Professional Care Workers Week 2023
The Care Workers Charity (CWC) is an important industry body with the objective of supporting current and former care workers. As part of this mission, the CWC is running its annual Professional Care Workers Awareness Week for the sixth year this month. - How care support can help find happiness later in life
Helping mature adults in the pursuit of joy Happiness is a funny thing. Like joy, it can be found and nurtured in manyContinue reading “How care support can help find happiness later in life” - Good Care Month 2023: Honouring the Heart of Home Care
Good Care Month 2023: Honouring the Heart of Home Care As summer blooms across the UK this July, Birchwood Care Services joins theContinue reading “Good Care Month 2023: Honouring the Heart of Home Care “ - Championing inclusivity and diversity in later life care
Championing inclusivity and diversity in later life care Comfort, pride, and dignity are all fundamental parts of caregiving. At Birchwood Care Services, itContinue reading “Championing inclusivity and diversity in later life care” - Dementia Action Week
Don’t put off today what could empower your tomorrow Dementia Action Week serves as a powerful reminder that early intervention and proactive diagnosisContinue reading “Dementia Action Week” - Stress Awareness Month
Stress Awareness Month Stress – it’s a feeling we’re probably all too familiar with. And so, this April to mark Stress Awareness Month,Continue reading “Stress Awareness Month” - Why self-injury awareness is important
Self-Injury Awareness Day, also known as SIAD, is an annual event held on 1st March to raise awareness about self-injury and reduce the stigma surrounding this behaviour. The day provides a platform for people affected by self-injury and their supporters to come together and share their stories, experiences, and coping strategies.
