Art is important as an individual form of expression as well as a way for communities, countries and the world to communicate and entertain. Numerous studies have been done about the benefits of art exposure on all age groups, from developing essential skills in children to tapping into physical, mental and social issues for adults. However, elderly adults are less likely to engage in artistic events despite the numerous benefits they can gain from the experiences.
Elderly adults that are dependent on care from family members, senior care assistants and others are at a great disadvantage when it comes to exposure to the arts. They may be limited by transportation issues if they can no longer drive, or baffled by modern technology when it comes to finding out about community events or booking tickets online. Seniors may not have anyone to attend an arts event with or they might worry about whether they will enjoy themselves. No matter what the reason, elderly adults are often not exposed to the arts on a regular basis.
Engaging with the arts has a dramatic benefit for an elderly person’s health and wellness. Art is designed to trigger thoughts and emotions, from positive to negative. There’s no age limit on art appreciation, so family caregivers should consider what it would take to bring more art into their elderly parent’s life.
Here are just a few of the benefits for seniors when it comes to enjoying the arts:
- It stimulates brain activity. Exposure to new things helps trigger the brain’s analysis and problem-solving processes. More brain activity sets down new neural pathways that can boost cognitive abilities.
- It enhances communication. Trying to understand why the artist wrote or painted what they did is what makes it inspiring and important. Art also starts conversations and provides seniors with a different point of view.
- It is an escape. Whether art makes someone laugh or cry, it has a way of transporting the viewer to another place within their heart and mind. Just for a while, elderly people can step outside of their daily life and get lost in a song, painting or story.
- It triggers emotions and feelings. Some art is designed to uplift while other art has the goal of provoking. Whatever the artist intended, their art will stimulate a range of emotions that help connect humans together.
- It can bridge cultures. Art that comes from a person or culture different from the elderly person can help increase appreciation and understanding for diversity.
- It is fun. Venues that showcase art, whether it’s a gallery, theater or museum, bring people with similar interests together. Seniors that want to meet new people and get involved will find that their increased exposure to art brings them a lot of pleasure.
The benefits of community art are hard to measure but no matter what age or stage of life a person is in, they can gain positive experiences. Family caregivers that want to improve their elderly parent’s outlook and enrich their mind and heart should increase their exposure to the arts.
Source:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2804629/
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING IN-HOME SENIOR CARE IN LAS VEGAS, NV, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT GOLDEN HEART SENIOR CARE. CALL TODAY 702-800-4616.