Recognizing Value - Art Therapy for Seniors

It's on the strength of observation and reflection that one finds a way. So we must dig and delve unceasingly.
~Claude Monet~

It is no secret that the creative process of art can provide a healing stimulus to us all, whether we are children or adults. Young children create art naturally, and this artistic spontaneity often results in the makings of amazing stories created from unaffected imagination. This knowledge, combined with early theories of art and its potential as a healing agent, led to an actual health and human care discipline known today as Art Therapy. Today, Art Therapy also includes the use of music, drama, poetry and other forms of creative expression.

While art can be therapeutic to everyone, the benefits to seniors are countless. According to the Alzheimer's Association, "art activities provide pleasurable activity, assist in socialization and contribute to the individual's sense of well-being." At London House, we have found that this is indeed the case. One particular class, floral arranging, was recently conducted at a local senior center. The ladies who took the class enjoyed it immensely, in part because it was challenging but not difficult, and also because it provided additional opportunities for them to socialize and compare each other's work. An added benefit came about because the instructor provided them written instructions to take home, therefore they are now able to make their own creations as gifts or for themselves.

If your organization is interested in our floral arranging class, send an E-mail to
jscottluoma@neo.rr.com.