When we think about healthy aging, we often focus on our physical health: eating well, staying active, and keeping up with medical care.
But have you ever thought that painting, listening to your favourite music, spending time in the garden, or visiting an art gallery could also help you age well?
In a recent Aging Well interview with host Alice Liu, Dr. Kate Dupuis, Schlegel Innovation Leader in Arts and Aging at the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA), shared how participating in the arts can benefit our physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being.
Our later years often bring significant transitions, such as retirement, loss of loved ones, and changes in mobility and health. Research shows that engaging in arts and creative activities can reduce stress, improve cognitive function, strengthen the body, address mental health concerns, and provide a greater sense of purpose and community.
The good news is you don’t have to be an expert artist or musician to enjoy the benefits of being creative. You can take part in the arts in two ways: by doing something creative yourself or by enjoying what others have made. Both ways can keep your mind sharp and your spirits high.
- Being active in the arts means creating something. This could be joining a choir, taking a pottery class, baking, playing cards, or writing in a journal.
- Passive participation is about enjoying and appreciating creative work. For example, visiting an art gallery or museum, or listening to your favourite music at home.
Simple Ways to Bring Creativity Into Your Day
Bringing creativity into our routines does not have to be complicated. Even a 10-minute daily creative habit can support mental well-being.
- Establish a Daily Creative Habit
Set aside a few minutes each day for a creative activity, such as reading, painting, gardening, or solving a puzzle.
- Explore Community Arts Events
Attend a movie, concert, theatre production, or visit an art gallery or museum.
- Add Movement and Expression
Take a dance class, join a community choir, or try a drama workshop.
- Connect with Nature
Spend time in the garden by taking photos, listening closely to the sounds around you, or making crafts with natural materials.
Whether you enjoy creating or observing, start small: What creative activity could you add to your routine for 10 minutes this week?