4 Benefits of Art Therapy for Seniors

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4 Benefits of Art Therapy for Seniors

You don’t have to be an artist to enjoy the benefits of art therapy. Even if you require the help of a home health aide to assist you with some of the daily functions of life or if you rely on live-in home care, you can still engage in art therapy.

As the Institute on Aging explains, “Art Therapy is a large umbrella that incorporates many types of artistic expression and creation1, including the use of drawing, painting, sculpting, needlework, crafting, music, dance, and more.” 

Nobody is going to give you a grade or critique your work. The value lies in the creative process itself.

“Art therapy is used to improve cognitive and sensorimotor functions, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, promote insight, enhance social skills, reduce and resolve conflicts and distress, and advance societal and ecological change,” the American Art Therapy Association says. 

Art Therapy for Seniors

The Institute on Aging says that art therapy can be especially beneficial as we age. “Art therapy for seniors can make just as much difference in their lives as other types of therapy, just in a different way. And a wonderful part of it is, you don’t need to take them to a special location in order to access it. While trained art therapists can guide people through the process, there is still benefit to be found in creation, even if you’re just working on things at home by yourself,” they say. “All it takes is a few supplies, a little ingenuity, and a willing participant, to get stated on a journey towards increased mental well-being.”

They point to the growing popularity of adult coloring books as an example of how relaxing a creative exercise can be. “People of all ages are enjoying the release of this mindless and soothing task. Zoning out while focusing your brain on something besides stress is the perfect way to make it disappear.”

The Institute on Aging attributes four primary benefits to art therapy:

  1. Stress relief 
  2. Self-expression 
  3. Help coping with trauma
  4. Having a purpose

 

Art therapy and aging at home can both be very beneficial. If you – or someone you love – is in need of live-in home care or the services of a home health aide to facilitate aging at home, please contact Friends for Life Homecare of NY.

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