Creativity abounds in most children. During playtime with friends and fun activities at school, children are encouraged to embrace their imaginations and express themselves. As they grow older, some people may pursue creative careers or hobbies, but others are forced to set creativity aside. And in retirement, many seniors have a renewed enthusiasm for artistic activities. All that said, every person has a unique relationship with creativity. What’s your perspective on creativity and aging? If you’re hoping to embrace your artistic side, scroll down to learn why some people dive into creativity in their sunset years.
Creativity and Aging
Why do some people embrace creativity in their senior years?
- Self-Assurance: When you reach your sunset years, you know who you are. You’re also less likely to care what other people think of you. This may make you more willing to take risks, which is often important for creativity. Someone who always wished to pursue a certain artistic hobby but felt embarrassed about it might decide to finally embrace their passion in their senior years.
- Reevaluation: You’ve surely heard of a mid-life crisis. In many people, this phase is more of a reevaluation than a crisis. In the process of looking back on their life thus far and also looking to the future, some people experience a constructive reevaluation. They may decide that they are more interested in creative pursuits and devote more time to them. After years of neglecting their creative side, they might decide to strike out on a new path. If not now, when?
- Free Time: Aging and creativity often go hand in hand because retirement provides plenty of free time. After years of working a 9-to-5 job or raising children, many seniors are thrilled to have more time to devote to creative hobbies. Where before an afternoon of embroidering or playing the guitar may have felt indulgent, it might feel natural and joyful in your sunset years.
- Stress Relief: Even if you’re not artistically inclined, you might enjoy exploring some creative pursuits for stress relief. Whether you’re painting an abstract design, learning to play the ukulele, or writing a poem, you might find that the simple act of creating reduces your stress levels.
- Health Benefits: According to research involving older adults in Taiwan, seniors who participated in performance and art-making programs had lower rates of loneliness and depression, higher morale, and improved hand dexterity. Some also reported a boost in mood, greater confidence, and better family relationships.
- Social Benefits: Many seniors experience loneliness, and art classes offer a great way to meet new people while also participating in a fun activity. If you’re hoping to make some new friends, try signing up for an art class, a community choir, or a local theater group.
How can I explore my creativity?
Are you itching to stretch your creative muscles but unsure where to start? Or perhaps your mind goes straight to arts and crafts when you think about creativity, and you’re looking for a different way to be creative. The following list may give you some ideas:
- Art (drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpting)
- Crafts
- Photography
- Music (playing an instrument, singing, writing songs)
- Acting
- Writing (fiction, non-fiction, poetry)
- Sewing, knitting, embroidery, weaving, etc.
- Calligraphy
- Needle felting
- Dancing
- Scrapbooking
- Film
- Design (interior design, graphic design, architecture)
- Philosophy
- Jewelry making
- Gardening
- Historical reenactments
- Cooking and baking (creating new recipes)
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Whether you define yourself by your creativity or you’re hoping to flex your creative muscles more, we hope that this discussion has gotten your creative juices flowing.
Are you looking for an assisted living community in Tennessee? Check out Hearthside Senior Living in Collierville and Bartlett. Our warm and inviting communities makes it easy for seniors to embrace a healthy lifestyle, with home-cooked and restaurant-style meals, exercise classes, and a nurse devoted to residents’ health and wellness. To learn more about our amenities and services, please contact us online.