Art accompanies us throughout our lives, helps us express our feelings, and allows us to connect with the feelings of an art workshop singapore who expresses himself through his music, his painting, his art. But beyond “making us feel good”, or simply entertaining, art brings several benefits that are of special interest to the elderly:
Art enhances mental ability, including memory
Among the benefits of art for older adults, whether with or without cognitive impairment, the participatory modality stands out, which can help improve cognitive functioning, communication, reasoning skills, memory and creative thinking.
We know that the brain can learn new disciplines at any age. This is due to the amazing ability of neurons to establish new paths or routes through which to carry information. Once you’ve created that “path,” you learn something new. Keeping those routes active ensures a healthy brain.
Learning to hold and handle a brush, pencil, or any small tool involved in creating a work of art helps regulate hand movements and stimulate brain connections as that skill develops. In older adults, painting helps to strengthen fine motor skills. Finally, creating, displaying or contemplating a work of art is fun, even more so if it is shared with family or friends.
Giving meaning to life is important to older people, especially if they spent most of their lives pursuing career goals or caring for their family. Once those responsibilities are alleviated, older adults can develop a certain level of uncertainty about their purpose in life.
Creative activities such as writing, painting, or knitting foster a sense of competence, purpose, and growth, all of which contribute to well-rounded and healthy aging. When artistic creations can be presented, displayed, or given away, that sense of purpose is amplified in older adults.