Did you know that drawing is very popular among mature adults? Not only do they find it pleasant, but drawing can even be used as art therapy. Want to know why drawing is so well-received? Read on to see the benefits of drawing for those in their golden years.
Improved Motor Skills
One issue that many mature adults face is declining motor skills. This will naturally occur due to the changes in our bodies as we age. Thankfully, drawing helps to improve motor skills. When you paint or do drawings, you will be physically exercising your hands and arms. This helps to increase muscular coordination, blood flow, and dexterity in the long run, and hence, improves your motor skills. And yet, because of how pleasant the activity is, it does not feel like an exercise. Thus, drawing is a great way to improve motor skills enjoyably.
Better Mood
Another benefit of drawing is it can help you feel less anxious, depressed, and stressed. In fact, studies show that those who participated in creative arts had reduced levels of despair and loneliness, and were more optimistic overall.
Hearing and vision loss are common side effects of aging, and they can cause mature adults to experience negative emotions. However, when they are using pencils or paint to draw items, it encourages them to relax and focus on pleasant sensations instead. Hence, drawing can help those in their golden years dealing with these challenges more effectively and give good outlets for their emotions.
Better Memory
Memory loss conditions like Alzheimer’s or dementia are common among mature adults. And drawing can help better this common medical condition. Not only can drawing aid in the recall of long-forgotten memories of loved ones and bygone eras, but it can also provide clarity and the capacity to perform properly for persons suffering from memory loss. Here is a tip. Pair calming music with the drawing sessions for better memory benefits.
Pain Reduction
One other benefit of drawing? Drawing can aid in the treatment of illnesses related to chronic pain. For instance, it can help people with arthritis by decreasing their discomfort from inflammation by allowing them to focus on their creativity rather than their pain. In addition, drawing also promotes relaxation, which can aid in the alleviation of mental distress. Thus, drawing can help mature adults with their physical and mental pain.
Better Self-Expression
Due to their natural mental or physical decline, mature adults may face difficulty in expressing themselves. This is where drawing comes to play. Drawing is another alternative way for them to express their feelings and thoughts. In addition, since there is no right or wrong in art, mature adults will not feel pressured, and instead feel free to express themselves however they want. Furthermore, using art to express oneself can help them interact more effectively with their loved ones or caretakers. After all, those in their golden years can use art as a medium to talk more with those around them.
