Art and the Aging Brain
By Diya Jaiswal, B.Sc. Neuroscience
Art is more than just paintings in a gallery, or sculptures in a museum, it’s all around us! It’s the music we listen to, the way we decorate our homes, the doodles in the margins of a notebook, and the photos we take to capture special moments. Art is any form of creative expression that allows us to communicate, reflect, and connect with the world. Whether it’s painting, dancing, crafting, or storytelling, engaging in artistic activities enriches our daily lives. It is a powerful way to express emotions, stimulate the mind, and bring joy, especially as we age! Aging does not mean a decline in creativity, if anything, it is an opportunity to explore new artistic passions. Research shows that engaging with art can help keep the brain sharp, improve emotional well-being, and enhance overall quality of life!
How Art Benefits the Aging Brain
1. Enhances Cognitive Function
Picking up a paintbrush or learning a new dance step isn't just fun; it's a workout for your brain! Participating in art activities engages multiple areas of the brain, improving memory, problem-solving skills, and attention span. Research has shown that activities like painting or playing an instrument stimulate neural pathways and promote neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to adapt and form new connections (Bolwerk et al., 2014).
A study by Noice and Noice (2009) found that older adults who participated in theater training demonstrated significant improvements in memory and reasoning skills compared to those who did not. The process of learning lines, interpreting emotions, and engaging in social interaction provided a strong cognitive workout.
(Image via:https://coaottawa.ca/community_event/looking-for-seniors-who-love-theatre/)
2. Reduces Stress and Promotes Emotional Well-being
Art is not just about skill, it’s about self-expression. Creative activities help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression by providing a healthy outlet for emotions. Art therapy has been widely used to help older adults cope with grief, chronic illness, and life transitions (Stuckey & Nobel, 2010). Engaging in visual arts like painting or sculpting has been shown to lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress (Kaimal et al., 2016). The meditative nature of art allows older adults to focus on the present moment, reducing worry and increasing relaxation.
3. Encourages Social Connection
Loneliness can be a [VH1] significant issue among older adults, contributing to poor mental and physical health. Participating in group art activities, such as community painting classes or choir groups, offers more than just learning a new skill; it's an opportunity to meet new people and build friendships! Research suggests that social engagement through creative activities can improve overall well-being and even reduce the risk of dementia (Cohen et al., 2006). Singing in a choir, for instance, requires coordination, memory, and group participation, which create a sense of belonging and purpose.
4. Improves Motor Skills and Coordination
Art isn't limited to sitting at a canvas. Many art forms, such as pottery, painting, knitting, dance, or playing a musical instrument, involve fine motor skills that help maintain hand-eye coordination. Engaging in these activities can slow the decline of motor functions, making everyday tasks a lot easier to perform. For individuals with Parkinson’s disease or arthritis, creative movement activities like dance can enhance mobility and flexibility. A study by Hackney and Earhart (2009) found that Argentine tango dancing helped individuals with Parkinson’s improve balance and walking abilities. Movement-based art forms provide both physical exercise and mental stimulation.
5. Provides a Sense of Purpose and Identity
Retirement and aging can sometimes lead to a loss of purpose, but creative activities help older adults maintain a strong sense of identity. Starting a new art project or joining a class can bring a renewed sense of purpose and excitement, reignite passion, boost self-esteem, and provide a sense of accomplishment. Studies have found that when older adults engage in meaningful creative activities, they experience higher levels of life satisfaction and resilience (Fancourt & Steptoe, 2018). Programs like Creative Aging initiatives encourage older adults to take up new artistic endeavors later in life. It encourages lifelong learning and personal growth, enriching your daily routine! So why not pick up a paintbrush, join a choir, or try out a new dance class? Your brain will thank you for it!
How to Incorporate Art into Daily Life!
● Join a community art class – Many local community centers and libraries offer free or low-cost classes in painting, ceramics, and other art forms.
● Start a journal or creative writing practice – Writing poetry or short stories can help with memory and self-reflection.
● Listen to and play music – Learning an instrument or singing along to favorite songs can improve mood and cognitive function.
● Explore movement-based arts – Dance classes, yoga, and tai chi promote both physical and mental health.
● Visit museums and cultural events – Exposure to art can be just as beneficial as creating it, offering inspiration and mental stimulation.
● Share Your Work! – Don't hesitate to share your creativity with your family and friends. Their encouragement can be motivating and fulfilling.
Local Resources and Programs
● Nord-Bridge Seniors Centre: Offers a range of arts and crafts programs, including beginners' watercolor classes, card making, and woodcarving sessions. These classes are designed to be fun and accessible, even if you've never picked up a paintbrush before. https://nordbridgeseniors.com/virtual-programs/painting/
● Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO): Provides creative arts sessions like painting, drawing, and collage. It's a great place to explore different mediums and techniques in a supportive environment. https://lethseniors.com/programs/
● Casa: Offers various art classes and workshops suitable for all skill levels. From pottery to printmaking, there's something for everyone. https://casalethbridge.ca/learning/
● Colour On Fire Art Studio & School: This studio provides art classes and workshops that can be a fun way to explore your creativity. https://www.colouronfireartstudio.com/workshops.php?id=41
● Alberta Health Services - OMA: AHS provides a program called OMA, Opening Minds through which is an art therapy program for people living with dementia. https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/news/Page16920.aspx
● Southern Alberta Arts Gallery (SAAG): Catch a guided tour and be inspired for your next art piece! https://www.saag.ca/events/seniors-tours-tea-1
● The Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge (AAC): A great resource to keep up with all the amazing art events happening all around Lethbridge! https://artslethbridge.org/calendar/
References
Bolwerk, A., Mack-Andrick, J., Lang, F. R., Dörfler, A., & Maihöfner, C. (2014). How art changes your brain: Differential effects of visual art production and cognitive art evaluation on functional brain connectivity. PLOS ONE, 9(7), e101035. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0101035
Cohen, G. D., Perlstein, S., Chapline, J., Kelly, J., Firth, K. M., & Simmens, S. (2006). The impact of professionally conducted cultural programs on the physical health, mental health, and social functioning of older adults. The Gerontologist, 46(6), 726-734. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/46.6.726
Fancourt, D., & Steptoe, A. (2018). Cultural engagement and mental health: Does socio-economic status explain the association? Social Science & Medicine, 214, 116-122. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2018.08.038
Hackney, M. E., & Earhart, G. M. (2009). Effects of dance on movement control in Parkinson’s disease: A comparison of Argentine tango and American ballroom. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 41(6), 475-481. https://doi.org/10.2340/16501977-0362
Kaimal, G., Ray, K., & Muniz, J. (2016). Reduction of cortisol levels and participants’ responses following art making. Art Therapy, 33(2), 74-80. https://doi.org/10.1080/07421656.2016.1166832
Noice, H., & Noice, T. (2009). An arts intervention for older adults living in subsidized retirement homes. Neuropsychology, Development, and Cognition. Section B, Aging, Neuropsychology and Cognition, 16(1), 56-79. https://doi.org/10.1080/13825580802233400
Stuckey, H. L., & Nobel, J. (2010). The connection between art, healing, and public health: A review of current literature. American Journal of Public Health, 100(2), 254-263. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2008.156497
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