7 Extraordinary Benefits of Creative Expression for Older Adults
Research shows that older adults who are the most socially engaged remain healthy and active.
Expression through the arts can have extraordinary health benefits that researchers are just starting to understand.
1Provides an opportunity to overcome limits
Creative expression provides an opportunity for older adults to overcome limitations through creative and imaginative thought. Neuroscience is continuing to unpack the power of imagination and how it can shape our reality.
“This research confirms that imagination is a neurological reality that can impact our brains and bodies in ways that matter for our wellbeing.”
~ Tor Wager, director of the Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Laboratory at CU Boulder
A recent example of how creativity overcomes limits is a delightful story of Garrison Green‘s resident, Ann Haessel. Ann is a Calgary artist and has been creating unique, colourful abstract art pieces since 1982. She has been contacted by Le Galeriste in Montreal to incorporate her work into their clothing lines. Who would have thought that at age 78 she would be embarking on a new business adventure!
2Increases levels of empowerment and purpose
Active involvement in creative expression increases levels of empowerment through a sense of achievement. Being part of a community that is involved in meaningful art expression further amplifies one’s sense of purpose.
Participants in one creative expression study reported feeling increased energy and a feeling of self-empowerment to try new things and actively seek out social interaction.
An example of empowerment and purpose through art is seen at United Active Living’s Fish Creek residence. Residents joined with the Art Gallery to create sculptures and information displays that encourage and inform about the need to reduce, reuse and recycle.
3A therapeutic outlet that enables self-expression
Whether it be because of cognitive impairment, a language barrier, or any other reason where verbal expression is difficult, art and creative pursuits provide an alternate therapeutic outlet. We can still communicate and connect with others through art and creative expression.
At United Active Living we have a revolutionary United Minds program which is designed to provide a safe, nurturing environment where residents with cognitive impairment and other cognition challenges can enjoy a positive life experience. Creative expression is key to the program offering a much-enjoyed outlet for expression.
Learn more about United Minds Memory Care Program >>
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4Improves functional mobility and physical well-being
Art and creativity provide an opportunity for older adults to develop a variety of new skills; gain confidence and in turn, find creative solutions for day-to-day challenges.
“In one study*, after a twelve-month period of engaging in participatory art activities, the older adults who were engaged reported a higher rate of physical health, fewer accidental falls, a decrease in the amount and types of medications they needed, and a decrease in the number of times they needed to visit the doctor or other healthcare professional.”
5Provides social connection and belonging
Creative expression affords the opportunity to express oneself and overcome social inhibitions. This improves the sense of trust between participants which is the foundation for deeper relational connections. Joint art-making leads to a greater sense of community and social belonging through group participation.
6Improves mood and enjoyment of life
Creative expressions rekindle memories from our youth and the subsequent carefree joy that accompanies such activities. Studies show that improved mood and greater enjoyment of life are a direct result of creative expression.
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7Positively impacts an entire community
A creative arts program is shown to not only impact the individual but the entire community as well. Stronger relational bonds, feelings of camaraderie and the overall quality of life elevates the culture of the whole community.
Even though you may not consider yourself ‘artistic’ or ‘creative’, every one of us has this side to us. When we are given the opportunity to tap into that creative side, a transformative potential is released.
In fact, studies* suggest that an enriched environment and social support may promote creativity in older adults.
More studies are showing the powerful, transformative, impact of participation in creative activities.
Creative expression is a cornerstone of all United Active Living residences.
We recognized that current methods of housing for seniors and operating programs for them didn’t match current research into the benefits of arts and cultural programs in creating physical and cognitive wellness.
By offering a better way to live in their later years, our approach is setting a new standard that ensures older adults are treated with respect and given the autonomy to make their own decisions regardless of their mental and physical conditions.
Our extensive list of programs and activities sets us apart through the variety that is offered, and the program partnerships with Calgary’s art and cultural organizations.
Transforming the experience of aging
I think none of us wants to think of aging as being a period of decline and isolation, and really it shouldn’t be.
United takes a unique perspective, one that is gaining recognition within the industry as a preferred alternative to traditional housing and social programming.
Amy McDonough,
United Active Living
These are meant to be some of the best years of our lives! And we are committed to facilitating that experience for our residents.
United Active Living is a privately-owned older adult retirement living community in Calgary, Alberta. We have three beautiful residences and offer retirement living lifestyles ranging from Independent Living to Assisted Living to Memory Care.
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Here’s a cameo of our care options:
Independent Living
Independent living is an ideal option for people who want to maintain an independent lifestyle, with optional care services available should they be needed one day. The focus is on convenience and an active life. Learn more…
Assisted Living
Assisted living is an ideal option for seniors who no longer want to, or are no longer able to, live alone but do not need intensive full-time medical care. We provide our residents with customized personal care plans that accommodate their unique health and wellness needs. Learn more…
Memory Care & Dementia
Living with dementia does not mean you have to stop being who you are. United Minds is an innovative program you won’t find anywhere else designed to provide a safe, nurturing environment where seniors with dementia and other cognition challenges can enjoy a positive life experience. Learn more…
Testimonials
There are so many activities that keep my mind active. I like to learn something new every day and this place really caters to that and keeps me challenged.
You can bring your family and get them to join you for a meal, dinner or whatever you want their company for!
There's a reason I got a couple of my friends to move in, too!
You can go in any time in the day and order either breakfast, brunch, lunch or supper. The service is amazing and the food is excellent!
I love our apartment. It is just perfect for us. When I first walked in here, I remembered saying, this is so me!
