Art therapy is often used as a way to help people deal with pain, as well as physical and mental stress. It provides them with an avenue to express themselves in creative ways through the visual arts. Although art therapy is a specialized profession, studies show that regularly going for art classes can achieve a similar effect. If you are interested in knowing how art therapy for seniors is beneficial, read on to find out more!
Art Therapy Improves Your Mood
Making art eases mental stress and anxiety and it is proven that seniors who take part in creative art making sessions suffer less from depression and feelings of isolation. As we advance in years, we may experience frustration due to our poor eyesight or hearing impairment, and art therapy can help us to counter this. By focusing on the act of drawing, painting, or creating an artwork, we can take our minds off these frustrating problems and engage in positive meaning making through art. Art can also be a good way to channel these negative feelings into productive energy.
Art Therapy Encourages Self-Expression
Some seniors may have problems with communicating verbally, or have strong feelings that they are unable to verbalize. Art therapy is a way of communication that allows seniors to express the things you want to say through art. By expressing yourself through creating art, you may find it easier to open up to your loved ones. For seniors who have issues with verbal communication, art therapy can also be a way for your loved ones to understand you better.
Enhance Your Cognitive Functions Through Art Therapy
There are many different forms of art therapy such as drawing, painting and sculpting. Engaging in these different activities will help seniors keep your minds active in a fun and exciting way because you will be learning new ways to create art. By challenging yourself to learn a new form of art, you can also train your focus and concentration, further activating your senses.
Art Therapy Helps Improve Motor Skills
Making art is also a form of physical activity as you have to grip a pencil or a paintbrush and engage with the materials actively. Thus, art therapy is also very helpful for seniors who want to improve your motor skills without the same level of energy needed to do full-body exercises. Art therapy also promotes movement and greater coordination skills, and is a good way to practice muscle control.
Interact with Other Seniors During Art Therapy
Art therapy can be held in one-to-one or small group sessions. Beyond interaction with your art therapist, you can also look forward to spending more time with other seniors. Art therapy sessions are a great way to meet seniors who have the same interests as you and learning together with friends makes the art therapy session much more fun and enjoyable. It can also be less daunting to be share your emotions on paper if you see other people doing the same.
Art Therapy at Discovery Village At The Forum
If you are thinking of moving to a senior living community that provides art therapy, look no further than Discovery Village At The Forum! In our community, we ensure that all our residents are involved in their favorite activities and we strive to make life at our resort-style community exciting for you! Our community also provides therapy sessions and exercise modules, so you will be well-taken care of mentally and physically.
