Mental Health Moment

We all know that art can be fun for kids. Actually, art is also great for seniors and “kids” of all ages, for a host of reasons. The benefits of Art and Art Therapy are probably much more than what you may have imagined, however. Focus groups and scientific research shows that both physical and mental health can be dramatically improved by regularly engaging in creative arts and art therapy classes.

Studies have proven that art can reduce feelings of depression, stress and anxiety. Also, because aging often leads to hearing and vision loss, engaging in Art Therapy can help seniors to better cope with these issues and provide a positive means for self-expression. Cognitive function is stimulated and makes it easier to make neural connections that may have declined due to aging.

Art can help individuals tap into a part of their skills that they didn’t know they had. This can be very rewarding for Seniors and help them find a new passion later in life.

“Art can hold a special significance for older adults suffering from neurocognitive decline. Diagnoses such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease can create feelings of hopelessness, stress, sadness, and isolation. Producing artwork stimulates the brain to produce dopamine, a hormone involved in the brain’s reward system. The completion of artwork allows for improved mood and increased confidence. Pair this with the supportive socialization an art group provides, and the benefits are astounding,” says Macey Walker, Adult Day Services Manager at the Caregiving Place in Sarasota, Florida.

“During my 30 years at Americans for the Arts, I have had the great privilege to visit and learn about a different community nearly every week. While they differ vastly from one another, there is one common strength I have observed: the arts have made a profound impact on the health of each community.” - Robert L. Lynch, President,

Americans for the Arts Art can produce improvements in:

• Cognitive Function

• Motor Skills

• Increased Social Interaction

• Elevated Mood • Greater Self Expression

Often times, when art is created, it also provides a forum for discussion and serves as a conversation starter, in addition to providing a means for expressing thoughts and feelings through a chosen medium.

So, get out your paints and canvas, or your clay and colored papers. Create something fantastically yours! Express yourself and just have fun – then share it with a friend!

Beth Douglas is a marketing communications professional and an advocate for seniors – especially those who are living with dementia-related illness.