Exercising Our Creative Selves Enhances Quality of Life

According to many studies, the creative arts provide older adults with multiple benefits including improving cognitive function.  The Today’s Geriatrics Medicine’s website states that, “Current studies in the fields of art therapy, music therapy, and other creative modalities confirm that art can affect individuals in positive ways by inducing both psychological and physiological healing. We know that, in general, exercising our creative selves enhances quality of life and nurtures overall well-being.”

For many seniors, the creative arts can help relieve boredom, provide an opportunity to learn new skills, re-engage in life, and even help prevent feelings of depression and anxiety.  Experts say the arts also can bolster seniors’ self-esteem, and put them in group settings, which increases socialization and helps to develop interpersonal skills.  Moreover, with so many choices to choose from, a person is sure to find something of interest whether it is painting, drawing, sketching, pottery, music, dancing, weaving, or knitting among others.  Seniors also have the luxury of time to reconnect to an old hobby or passion.   

Being creative provides seniors with an outlet to express their feelings.  In addition, research suggests the arts may help seniors who are coping with chronic pain by lessening their feelings of discouragement and depression.  

At MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, we strive to provide the best assisted living and memory care Colorado Springs offers, and we understand the value the arts have in helping our residents feel passionate and engaged in life.  In fact, each day our goal is to help residents continue to learn and contribute with activities that enhance health and wellness, stimulate the brain, and encourage connection.  Our community has 45 bright suites for assisted living and includes spacious studios and one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans.  We have another 19 secure suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  Please contact us for more information about our exceptional community.  

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself the finest assisted living and memory care Colorado Springs has to offer.

Sources: managedhealthcareconnect.com/articles/use-art-therapy-geriatric-populations

arttherapyblog.com/c/art-therapy-seniors/#.XTKPKehKhPY