It is unfortunately easy for senior citizens to become lost and forgotten. Whether they’re in special facilities designed to care for the elderly and feel isolated from normalcy, or if they’re unable to enjoy the kinds of activities they used to in their younger years, they can swiftly decline or slip into depression. However, a recent study from a Singaporean university has found that involving senior citizens in the arts — no matter what form that takes — helps boost their quality of life. This study shows that there is no better time than the present to make sure there are opportunities for senior citizens to explore their artistic sides.
Everything from dance troupes to theater performances to practicing different projects in visual arts have made seniors healthier, happier, and more involved in daily life. Senior citizens exercise their minds and bodies by learning new skills and even have the chance to make new friends and acquaintances in group projects and classes. Even engaging in art forms that remind them of their childhoods — such as knitting or embroidery — encourage exploring their memories and making new connections between the past and the present.
Senior citizens have the least participation in the arts out of all other age groups in Singapore. But the Singaporean government and other senior interests and art organizations are teaming up to create more opportunities for seniors to get involved in the arts in whatever format works best for their interests and abilities. The government is also looking to sponsor additional studies that will support research-based approaches aimed at effectively shaping policy for arts-based outreach programs for senior citizens and other groups in Singapore. In fact, the seminar in which the study findings were revealed was also held at the same time as a festival honoring senior artists.
Senior citizens themselves acknowledge the power of the arts in their lives. After participating in arts programming, many reported feeling better spiritually and mentally, as well as an increase in physical wellness. Organizers of the study are pointing toward the importance of these results as a possible future alternative to medications for physical and mental health. Seniors also said they experienced better understanding in bridging the gap between their generations and generations that come after them, using art as a common understanding between different groups.
It’s never too early or too late to start an education in art. Delve into the art world by signing yourself or a loved one up for an art class via SGArtClass.com. SGArtClass.com is a comprehensive art website devoted to increasing arts education and bringing together professional art teachers with future students. Whether you’re interested in learning how to paint with watercolors, draw caricatures or portraits, or investigate 3-D sculpture, there is sure to be a class for you. Art teachers have experience with teaching students of all ages and abilities.
To read more about the study’s findings, go to http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/involvement-artshelps-elderly-enjoy-better-quality-life-study.