From doing crafts to participating in art therapy, art can be both a fun and meaningful activity for people of all ages and skill levels. Importantly, art activities for the elderly offer support for their cognitive functions, emotional health and physical well being. Accordingly, many senior living communities often include multiple art projects and events for seniors on their community calendars, such as knitting gatherings or open art studio times at Arbors of Hop Brook. Below, learn more about the benefits of art activities for seniors and check out 5 fun art ideas to enjoy on your own or with friends and family!
Benefits of Art Activities for the Elderly
Whether you try the garden gnome painting class in your assisted living community or embrace a choose-your-own art project adventure, art activities for the elderly offer numerous benefits in terms of senior health. As with engaging in trivia events, an artistic endeavor like scrapbooking can help with memory and support emotional health, especially if enjoyed in a social setting in which to share those special moments. Additionally, art projects for seniors such as painting or knitting can help maintain fine motor skills, boost mood and reduce stress. In fact, the National Institute on Aging notes that learning and engaging in creative activities in particular have shown benefits regarding memory function and overall well-being. In short, art provides the opportunity to embrace that youthful daring to try new things and be energized by the possibility of discovery!
As highlighted at A Place for Mom, seniors themselves experience myriad benefits from participating in creative activities, but these opportunities may also provide senior living caregivers with a greater insight into their senior residents’ moods, interests and well-being. Furthermore, art activities for the elderly can serve as important social opportunities and ways for residents to feel part of the community or take a role in it, instead of being isolated from others. If an elderly mother or another family member is never happy, trying some art project for seniors may help improve their quality of life!
5 Engaging Art Projects for Seniors
As shared by the American Art Therapy Association, art can be a powerful healing tool and a fun opportunity that supports the well-being of older adults. Here is a curated list of 5 engaging art projects for seniors that can be enjoyed independently or with others!
- Paint by number! Revisiting the classic paint-by-number set may be the perfect way to develop confidence in one’s painting abilities or just give it a shot! Choose from a variety of images and enjoy watching your painting come to life. Having a visit with the grandchildren soon? Let them select a painting design that you can each create during your time together!
- Design your own painted wood serving tray or make them for gifts! At #25 on Good Housekeeping’s list of “50 Fun Craft Ideas,” this activity in itself offers a number of art projects for seniors. Woodworkers or upcyclers may enjoy creating tray designs from new or existing materials. Aside from tray construction, the possibilities abound for assorted decorative approaches, such as one of the other stenciling or pressed flower applications on the craft idea list.
- Beautify gardens and other locations with handmade pottery, rocks and more! Join a local pottery class to make planters, mugs or other ceramics. Alternatively, paint colorful rocks with positive messages or customize cement stepping stones to provide personalized accessories for your own garden or community gardens in your assisted living community. Taking time to enjoy your outdoor additions after their completion also incorporates the health benefits associated with time in nature.
- Create DIY seasonal decorations! Let the season inspire art projects for seniors, as evident in this list of “100 DIY Christmas Decorating Ideas from HGTV. From door decor to tablescape designs, many creations use items you may already have around your house. If a project appeals to you but you need help acquiring the materials, talk to a friend, family member or your assisted living activity coordinator about the necessary materials for fun art activities for you and other elderly members in your community.
- Try finger knitting! Keep fingers nimble and the mind engaged with a finger-knitting art project for seniors. Gather a group together for a knitting night in or try one of these 14 different finger knitting projects from The Spruce Crafts during your next afternoon babysitting the grandkids.
Art activities for the elderly make a positive impact on the quality of life for seniors in particular. To lift your own spirits or someone else’s and enjoy the multitude of health benefits associated with engaging your artistic skills, consider trying a project this week. Not sure where to start? Choose from the ideas or resources included here, ask about art opportunities at a local senior center or look into the wellness programming at your assisted living center. To learn more about the specific art activities for the elderly at Arbors of Hop Brook and other aspects of this senior living community, schedule a tour today.