Let’s face it, we’re all getting a little older.
As each birthday passes, some of us groan and take stock of our life while others see a future full of opportunities. One thing is for sure: our population is aging at a staggering rate.
Canadian Statistics show that older adults are the fastest growing age group in our society. In 2011, there were five million Canadians over the age of 65, and by 2036, this number will jump to 10.4 million.
Things like affordable and accessible housing, depression and social isolation, an increase in Alzheimer’s and dementia-based illnesses, and an increased rate of chronic pain and illness are just some of the issues that face our aging population today. This places a strain on patients, caregivers, family members, medical staff, teachers and community groups.
What’s good to know is there has been a shift in how we approach seniors care. Where the aging process has typically been seen as an inevitable decline, where symptoms are to be managed and maintained, we are now moving towards a model that seeks to improve the quality and enjoyment of life for the aging population by focusing on engaging in new and challenging activities.
Where does art fit into all of this? Incorporating artistic activities into the lives of seniors has some amazing health benefits! Here are our top three:
1. Emotional wellbeing: Art has a significant positive impact on the emotional wellbeing of aging individuals, is proven to reduce stress, protect against depression and anxiety, and can improve self-confidence. Peer-to-peer or intergenerational educational and recreational activities in particular are some of the most effective ways to reduce loneliness and social isolation among seniors. Maintaining independence and creating social connections can build a sense of purpose and dignity and enhance self-care.
2. Brain health: Did you know the number of Canadians with dementia or memory issues will double within the next generation? Making art is an effective preventative tool in managing diseases such as dementia, Alzheimer’s and other chronic diseases because it helps us stay sharp and engage in new and challenging recreational and intellectual activities. A variety of creativity-based sensory activities, such as making music, dancing, singing, storytelling and doing visual arts, is proven to improve memory processing, object recognition, problem solving and maintaining neuro-spatial functions as we age.
3. Healing, chronic illness and pain: Creative engagement can provide both an emotional outlet and a healthy distraction for those dealing with chronic illnesses on a daily and long-term basis. Incorporating mindfulness-based activities with art such as breathing, meditation and paying particular attention on the process of “doing,” have proven to be highly effective in managing chronic pain and chronic illness. Whether it is chronic conditions such as pain, diabetes, cancer and newly diagnosed conditions or long-term suffering due to trauma or abuse, art activities that connect both the mind and body can be a part of recovery, can help manage physiological and psychological symptoms, and improve overall quality of life.
Need some guidance on where to start your creative adventure? Did you know that Delta has a senior support coordinator? Eva Busich-Veloso connects seniors with local amenities, services and programs and can be reached at 604-787-1242.
Delta also has a Delta Seniors Bus Program that provides seniors with free transport from home to local amenities and can be reached at 604-358-8765. Explore our local community by checking out the Kennedy Seniors Recreation Centre in North Delta, the McKee Seniors Recreation Centre in Ladner, and KinVillage Community Centre in Tsawwassen to sign up for creative programs in art, dance, photography, wood working, learning and fitness.
Genesis Theatre, Sidekick Players Club and United Entertainers also offer a great way to experience the arts. The South Delta Artists Guild and Delta Potters Association, as well as the Tsawwassen and Ladner libraries, host a number of activities such as adult colouring and knitting.
For information about individual sessions on enhancing your creativity, contact Mary Ann Burrows at [email protected]. For information about individual and group intergenerational art programs in Delta, contact Meg Neufeld at Alongside You: [email protected].
Ask your doctor or medical staff about opportunities to incorporate art in health care plans for you and your family members. Providing flexible, affordable, and easily accessible arts programs is key in aging creatively and is a fantastic way to improve the lives of seniors in our community.
In the meantime, see the Arts and Health Project that celebrates the arts and seniors health at www.artsandhealthproject.com.
