Art Therapy Seniors

Art Therapy

Art therapy is a form of therapy that uses the creative process of making art to improve a person’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Art materials are used to express emotions, reduce stress, increase self esteem and improve cognitive functioning.  During the practice of art making and by working through the creative process, many patients can improve cognitive and sensory-motor functions. (American Art Therapy Association, 2017) In fact, the act of art making can help boost self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, promote insight, enhance social skills, and reduce and resolve conflicts. (American Art Therapy Association, 2017). 

Can Seniors benefit from Art Therapy?

Art therapy can be particularly beneficial for seniors. Art therapy can be done in a group or individual setting. It can be adapted to meet the needs and abilities of each individual senior. Some seniors may benefit from art therapy sessions in which they are given specific prompts or projects to work on and is overall more structured while others may prefer open-ended sessions in which they are free to create their own work. The art materials and techniques used can also be adapted to accommodate any physical limitations that a senior may have such as adaptive art easels, paint brushes, etc.

What are the benefits of Art Therapy for Seniors?

  • Enhance Mental Health: Art therapy can help seniors express their emotions and feelings, which can be particularly helpful for those who may have difficulty communicating their thoughts and feelings in words. Art therapy sessions can also be used to help seniors cope with the challenges of aging and to foster a sense of purpose and meaning in their lives. It also helps improve memory and cognitive functioning and provide a sense of accomplishment and purpose. Art therapy can be a fun and enjoyable activity that allows seniors to engage with others and participate in a social activity. Art therapy can also provide a sense of accomplishment and pride in the art that is created and can help seniors to feel more connected to their creative side.
  • Prevent Isolation and Depression: Seniors with limited ability, or those living with chronic illness or injury, struggle with ways to stay mentally and physically healthy. Limited speech, movement, and ability can cause isolation, depression, and loss of other critical functions. Using art therapy is an easy and low intensity way of helping those in need access their feelings, strengthen hand and eye coordination, and provide a much-needed creative outlet. Implementing daily creative processes for seniors will improve their sense of happiness and social connection, reduce isolation and depression and has shown to improve their physical health as well. 
  • Helping Those with Degenerative Diseases: Art therapy has been prescribed as part of the treatment plan for those already suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other chronic degenerative diseases. 
  • Empowering Seniors: Art therapists use integrative methods to engage the mind, body, and spirit in ways that are distinct from verbal articulation alone. “These kinesthetic, sensory, perceptual, and symbolic opportunities invite alternative modes of receptive and expressive communication, which can circumvent the limitations of language. Visual and symbolic expression gives voice to experience, and empowers individual, communal, and societal transformation.” (American Art Therapy Association, 2017)

References 

Art Therapy for Seniors - The Mental Illness Happy Hour (mentalpod.com)

Art Therapy: Definition, Types, Techniques, and Efficacy (verywellmind.com)

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