Discover how engaging in artistic endeavors can contribute to your well-being as you journey through your later years. As I stepped into my sixties, the path was a bit rocky. Feeling a loss of purpose, I decided to enroll in a spirituality class, hoping to reconnect with my inner wisdom and find a fresh direction. Despite being open to anything,
I was taken aback by my initial assignment: "Create a painting." Aside from writing, I hadn't flexed my creative muscles in quite some time. To ease into it, I took a shortcut and purchased a "Paint Your Own Unicorn" kit designed for ages three and up. Still, apprehension gripped me. As I surveyed the blank unicorn canvas and spread out the paints, glitter, and stickers, I doubted my ability to match the charming unicorns depicted on the box, supposedly crafted by children.
Fear of failure lingered. However, since this was merely a practice attempt, I picked up a larger brush and began to play with swirling strokes around the unicorn. With a finer brush, I added details like eyes and hooves. Stroke by stroke, something almost magical unfolded. The world seemed to fade away. Was my unicorn a masterpiece? Not by any means. But as I adorned it with glitter and minuscule stickers, a newfound sense of ownership—of myself—arose. In hindsight, that unicorn marked a turning point in my life.
Following the unicorn encounter, I delved into painting on petite canvases, shaping figurines from clay, and crafting bracelets from beads. I embraced musical chanting and emotional expression through drumming. I embraced creative feng shui collages adorned with symbols, charms, and imagery. Soon, I found myself embarking on a new chapter, which encompassed curating online exhibits, writing fresh books, and excelling in grad school assignments.
A Journey of Rediscovery
It turns out that creativity holds remarkable benefits for individuals of all ages. Whether we utilize creative pursuits to reignite our passions, learn novel skills, or forge an entirely new path, creativity initiates a marvelous voyage that can begin with a small step, reminiscent of a preschooler's art project.
Deborah Serani, PsyD, a psychologist, professor, and author of the acclaimed book "Depression in Later Life," experienced the fortunate upbringing of being encouraged to draw, embrace music, play instruments, paint, and compose songs and poetry. "However," she states, "this doesn't make me a skilled artist. Rather, I cherish the release and creative expression they provide. They've become tools through which I convey my emotions—whether positive, negative, or even those I struggle to comprehend."
Furthermore, Dr. Serani asserts that creativity contributes to our well-being. "Research indicates that creativity bolsters resilience and aids in embracing the various physical and emotional challenges life presents," she explains. "Engaging in creative activities during our senior year's counters loneliness, heart ailments, dementia, strokes, and even certain cancers. Such activities foster optimism, bolster the immune system, and provide a sense of purpose and empowerment."
"For those who haven't yet experienced the positive outcomes of creativity or the sensory dimensions of art, music, dance, or other forms of expression, starting gradually and discovering your preferences is the ultimate approach to broadening your horizons," she recommends. "The goal is to invite novel experiences into your life."
Cultivating Creative Communities
Tim Carpenter, the founder and CEO of EngAGE, a nonprofit dedicated to providing arts, wellness, lifelong learning, community building, and intergenerational programs in affordable housing communities across California, Oregon, and Minnesota, advocates for cultivating the creative spark within everyone. Carpenter's inspiration sprouted during his childhood in Saratoga Springs, New York, where he secretly observed the famous artists' colony, Yaddo Gardens. This exposure fueled his aspiration to foster a creative environment within senior housing. He pondered, "Imagine an artist colony where you never leave—a place dedicated to discovering creativity and cultivating artistic connections."
In EngAGE-supported communities, individuals can partake in writing classes, theater performances, art studios, and galleries. Media labs offer opportunities to create films. Community partnerships are established for culminating events, such as poetry slams, personal storytelling nights, and screenings of resident-created short films. This approach reshapes perceptions of aging by showcasing vibrant individuals pursuing new creative endeavors. Carpenter believes that everyone can uncover their creative spark. He encourages introspection, asking, "What else can you explore within yourself?" He suggests maintaining involvement in activities you love while permitting yourself to explore new avenues.
"Embrace the excitement of novelty," he advises. "Especially as we age, cultivating that spark and embracing new experiences is vital. The nature of the pursuit doesn't matter."
9 Strategies to Rediscover Wonder
Tim Carpenter recommends approaching new creative pursuits in your later years with childlike wonder. Instead of striving for expertise, focus on the joy of experimentation. Pursue dreams you may have set aside, like singing, dancing, writing a novel, or trying stand-up comedy. Carpenter offers these suggestions to ignite your creative spark:
Share your narrative. Value your life experiences. Carpenter views writing and storytelling as pathways to deeper levels of creativity.
Embrace a kindergarten mindset. Get messy with paint, just as you did as a child. Allow yourself to relish those childlike feelings and give new things a shot.
Flow with creativity. Don't force creative projects. Instead, seek moments of immersion where external concerns fade away.
Suspend self-critique. Focus on the creative process and fall in love with it. Let go of self-judgment.
Create for the sake of creation. Detach from external pressures. Engage in creative pursuits purely for the joy they bring.
Quality doesn't matter. Even initial attempts or imperfect creations stimulate positive brain reactions.
Collaborate with others. Shared creative activities build connections and vitality.
Harness creativity for resilience. Art helps overcome challenges and offers problem-solving avenues.
Learn new skills. Enroll in classes or workshops to explore and develop your creative potential.
Ultimately, creativity holds the power to enhance your well-being and open doors to exciting new experiences, regardless of age.
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