by Shauna Dorko, Sidney SeniorCare –
When it comes to exploring our artistic selves, many of us are uncomfortable, and often intimidated. Art is a wonderful form of expression that holds so much promise if we simply allow ourselves to embrace it.
In the book “Successful Aging,” based on the MacArthur Foundation Study, John. W. Rowe, M.D. and Robert L. Kahn, Ph. D, discuss three components of successful aging: low risk of disease, high mental and physical functioning, and being actively engaged in life.
Expressing ourselves through art activities promotes active engagement in life, as well as a wide range of benefits for our psychological and physical well-being:
• A renewed sense of identity
• Greater positivity and awareness
• Reduction in depression due to chronic or acute illnesses
• Socialization
• Enhancement of cognitive and psychological development
According to Bruce Miller, M.D., a behavioral neurologist at University of California, San Francisco Medical Center, “while brains inevitably age, creative abilities do not necessarily deteriorate. Actually the aging brain responds well to art by allowing the brain’s two hemispheres to work more in tandem. This ability to use one’s creativity throughout a lifetime helps to cultivate the aging, creative brain.”
Music is just one art form that has a unique impact on our lives. I’m sure we are all well acquainted with the cognitive mystery of how our brains can recall every single word of favourite childhood songs 50+ years later!
There are many artistic activities now available to seniors in our community, thanks to the federal government’s recently developed New Horizons for Seniors Program. Resulting grant opportunities encourage community-based organizations to develop programming that will help seniors stay active, engaged and informed, with an arts and health focus. Panorama Recreation Centre is now offering several new arts-related programs for seniors through collaboration with local secondary schools who are generously opening up their classroom art studios so that seniors may explore and share their creative skills and artistic sensibilities. Also locally, the Alzheimer Foundation in Victoria offers its “Arts & Alzheimer’s” program. Art and Music Participation Sessions are facilitated twice a week at participating venues.
So the next time you get the urge to pick up a paint brush or break into song, just do it; chances are you will find others happy to join you in channeling your inner artist.
Written in collaboration with Sherrin Griffin. We welcome all comments, suggestions and ideas for future columns. Please email us at news@seasidemagazine.ca with “Seniors” in the subject line.
