Great Benefits of the Innovative Art Therapy for Seniors and Anthem Senior Living in AZ

Art has always been a therapeutic process. According to recent studies, older adults who participate in art therapy programs not only experience less depressions, but also may visit the doctor less often and require fewer medications in their daily lives. Art therapy uses creative techniques like drawing, painting, sculpting or coloring as a form of self-expression through which it can bring relief from overwhelming emotions, crises or trauma. There are no two ways about art therapy being a great way for older adults to cope with grief, loss and other emotions that often come with age. People in art therapy are guided by a professional art therapist who helps them engage with different art forms while addressing their mental, physical or emotional health concerns simultaneously.

For seniors, the creative process and the resulting artwork can help restore functioning and a general sense of well-being apart from helping individuals explore their feelings, reduce stress and anxiety, increase self-esteem and even manage addictions and behaviors.

Assisted living facilities like the award-winning Anthem Senior Living use art as therapy to provide the following benefits to senior residents:

Stress Reduction- Apart from aging itself, moving away from a family home, loss of loved ones, a dementia diagnosis are all things that many of today’s older adults face that can cause stress and art therapy is a great chance to work through that anxiety. According to studies, art has been found to have positive effect on health and illness with aging, helps to relax, gives a sense of self-control, reduces depression and anxiety, and even increases self-esteem. Not only does art therapy give seniors a creative outlet that can help manage stress, but also unlocks hidden talents in the process.

Form of Self-expression for Individuals with Dementia- Seniors- with progression of dementia may be unable to write or use language to communicate but they may be able to use colors or reveal pictures of their past which can result in strong connections with family members thus helping older adults with dementia feel empowered and less isolated. Furthermore, art therapy may also boost brain health as the brain responds well to art, it strengthens communication between the two brain hemispheres.

Reduces Inflammation and Encourages better Circulation- Regular art therapy can help reduce pain and control illness in seniors with chronic illness like hypertension or arthritis as the therapy involves usage of fingers, hands and arms meaning it is light but consistent physical activity that can promote better circulation and dexterity. When done in conjunction with physical therapy, art therapy can be a great pain management technique and a way to control discomfort.

Encourages Socialization- Art helps to lessen feelings of loneliness and isolation by allowing for an alternate means of connecting with others. It can prove to be extremely beneficial for people who have difficulty expressing themselves or communicating with others as they often find using visual means to be extremely useful.

Improves Physical/Motor Skills- Artwork creation helps benefit coordination through small, purposeful movements, leading to less pain and even an enhanced immune system. Art tends to divert the minds of seniors from their chronic aches and pains to the creative process at hand.

Book a suite at Anthem Senior Living or our recently opened wing Senior Sanctuary of Anthem in Phoenix, AZ for senior living care and support. We arrange various activities and use various therapeutic methods to ensure well-being of the senior residents.