Artistic Expression is Good for the Soul, Mind & Body

As we grow older, it is important to continue to nurture and connect to our inner healing voice.  Creative expression is one way to do that and can lead us to a place of deeper understanding and self-discovery.  Moreover with so many various disciplines such as dance, music, drama, the visual arts, writing, woodworking or photography, we are certain to find something that speaks to us.    

As many of us did not have opportunities to express our creativity as we moved into adulthood and began the process of building a career and raising a family, our retirement years are the perfect time to renew or begin a creative pursuit.  Sir Ken Robinson, an internationally recognized leader in the development of creativity, innovation and human resources, defines the experience as: “The arts address the idea of an aesthetic experience. An aesthetic experience is one in which the senses are operating at their peak, when you are present in the current moment, when you are resonating with the excitement of this thing that you are experiencing, when you are fully alive.” 

In support of this concept, the National Endowment for the Arts and the George Washington University conducted a widely-respected, multisite national study in 2001 to determine the impact of professional, community-based cultural programs on the general health, mental health and social activities of persons 65 years and older.  Led by the director of the Center on Aging, Health & Humanities at the University, Gene Cohen, MD, PhD, the study found that the arts have a positive effect on health and illness as we age.

The MorningStar of Santa Fe senior living community fully recognizes the importance of seniors living meaningful, creative lives, which is why we have built our home around engaging ways to stay active and productive for man’s good and God’s glory. Our many activities focus on mental, physical, spiritual and social connections and give residents something to look forward to each day.  For the finest senior living Santa Fe, NM offers, please see our website.   

MorningStar of Santa Fe offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents.  Please contact us for more information on unrivaled senior living in Santa Fe, NM.   

Source: 

joyfulheartfoundation.org/reunion/creative-expression

todaysgeriatricmedicine.com/news/ex_082809_03.shtml