Today, more than ever, older adults are exploring vibrant lifestyles like resort-style senior living in Annapolis, and many are picking up old hobbies or discovering brand new ones. This means that many seniors are discovering the benefits of creative expression. No matter what this means for the individual—painting, sculpting, woodworking, writing, dancing, or playing music—engaging in creative activities is a meaningful way to improve life. In this blog, you’ll discover what it means to express yourself creatively, the mental health benefits, and why you should consider a life care community that offers options for creative expression on campus.
What is Creative Expression?
Creative expression is any activity that involves imagination, creation, or self-reflection. This can include many activities, such as visual arts, music, dance, poetry, journaling, crafting, or even gardening. Creative expression isn’t about talent, either. It’s about the process of expressing your thoughts and emotions to create something that is uniquely yours.
The Mental Health Benefits of Creative Expression
It may be common to find art classes in over-55 communities, but these programs are more than just hobbies. These classes are opportunities to reduce stress, improve mood and connect with others. According to the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine1, making or even just seeing art can impact the brain. Creative expression can help you improve:
- Overall well-being
- Quality of life
- Interpersonal relationships
- Freedom of expression
- Emotional resilience
Creative Expression at Ginger Cove
At Ginger Cove, Annapolis’ only true Life-Care Community that offers resort-style senior living, we offer many opportunities for creative expression. Residents love our sew and craft room, art studio, and woodworking shop. Our on-site art studio is a favorite place for many of our artistic residents.
One of our residents, Eileen, loves painting, writing and music, and she views these activities as an integral part of maintaining her wellness. She said, “I’ve made many new friends with a paintbrush in my hand! I’ve taught and taken English, Art History and painting classes all my life, which brings me joy, challenge and wonder. I play bad piano, speak bad French and Italian, and have ruined acres of paper, but I’ll never stop giving it another try. It’s all about the journey and not the destination! Nurture the little sparks and hope for a fire—whether in gardening, math, or cooking.”
Joan, another Ginger Cove resident, began taking solace in the art studio after her husband passed away. She said, “Painting was something I had done many years ago when travel and children came first…I would often visit the art room to see what the artists were doing. When the time came to try painting again, the ones there were eager to help me get started, sharing brushes, canvas and oils.”
She emphasized that the art room is not for everyone, but it holds a special place in her heart, and for good reason. “Some prefer to paint in their apartments, but I love the art room where people stop by to visit, talk about what I’m painting, or just introduce their grandchildren. It’s a bright, cheerful place, always busy with lots of activity. I’m learning more every day and find the time away from the art room is one of missed opportunity.”
Get Creative at Ginger Cove
If you’re researching downsizing options or looking for a resort-style senior living community in Annapolis, explore Ginger Cove. We offer abundant opportunities for creative expression, along with many other great adventures. Schedule a tour and learn how you can live your best life at Ginger Cove. Call us today.