The Truth About Art Therapy
Experts in the field of art therapy have recently tried to claim that seniors cannot receive benefits from art unless they create under the guidance of a professional. While the experience and benefits may vary, art can take place in any form, in any place, and still benefit senior’s overall well-being both body and mind. If you’re a caregiver or see an elderly loved one struggling through the aging process, try following these simple principles that allow the creative process to benefit the life of that important older adult in your life:
1. Choose activities suitable to the senior’s level of mobility – although skill really doesn’t play a role in the benefits of artistic expression and seniors, you don’t want to make the experience frustrating for them. Keep a senior’s physical abilities in mind when choosing an activity.
2. Make activities challenging – age doesn’t mean seniors are less capable of creation. Don’t choose activities that are too simple, like those you’d give to a child.
3. Create a quiet environment – to receive the best possible benefits from a creative activity, seniors need a quiet environment where they can simply focus on creating. An area free from distraction will help set the tone for the creative process
4. Think about long-term projects – a quick craft that can be finished in a couple of hours won’t have the same benefits as one that extends over a period of time. Choosing an activity that seniors can think about and go back to day after day will really get the creative juices flowing
5. Work together – remember, even if you’re working on an art project together, don’t take over and don’t try to lead; it’s not about the end result of the creation, it’s about the journey along the way
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Image: ci.brisbane.ca.us
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