Making the Move Together: 4 Tips for Couples Moving to a Senior Living Community

Long-term romantic relationships are known to have a significant positive effect on our mental and emotional wellbeing, but they can also impact our health as well. Research demonstrates that our relationships can even help stave off the risk of chronic diseases and health problems. A study found that when compared to single or divorced adults, married couples reported experiencing fewer mobility limitations, reduced stress, and fewer chronic health conditions such as heart disease or diabetes.

Maintaining a loving, long-term bond only gets better over time, helping to increase a couple’s overall quality of life as they get older. According to recent census data, around 58% percent of older adults over the age of 65 are married. After being in a happy, loving relationship for years, it’s no surprise that many couples want to continue living together when it’s time to look for a senior living community.

However, since everyone ages differently, it’s not uncommon for couples to have different care needs as they grow older. For example, one spouse may need little or no help with daily tasks, while the other needs assistance with things like medication management or mobility. Even if one partner is in good health, it can be overwhelming for them to care for their spouse on their own.

This is where senior living comes in. To meet the needs of today’s senior couples, modern senior living communities are coming up with solutions for couples who want to live together in the same community, even if they require different levels of care.

If you’re thinking about downsizing to a senior living community with your spouse, or if you’re helping your parents look for a community, here are a few tips that will make the transition to senior living a little bit easier:

Research communities that cater to couples

While many senior living facilities allow couples to live together, every community has different options and regulations. When it comes to independent living, floor plans may range in size from one to two or even three-bedroom condos or cottages. Assisted living spaces are usually one-bedroom apartments or suites, and couples may have the option to live in the same apartment together. However, in some cases, couples may prefer to live in separate but adjoining rooms or units. It’s always best to do your research and visit several communities before making a decision.

Consider the benefits of a continuing care community

A continuing care retirement community (CCRC) is an ideal, long-term option for couples hoping to remain close as they grow older. CCRCs offer every stage of senior living–independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing care, and memory care–all on the same campus. For couples, living at a CCRC makes it possible to stay within the same community, even if one spouse experiences age-related health changes at a different rate. Couples in CCRCs rest assured knowing that if they eventually require a different level of care than their spouse, they will be able to live close by and visit for meals, activities, and socialization without ever leaving the comfort of their community.

Look for a community that offers a variety of activities

Everyone has his or her own interests, so it’s important to find a community that offers a variety of leisure and social activities for both members of the couple to enjoy–whether separately or together. When touring different senior living communities, ask about the activities, hobbies, programs, clubs, classes, and outings that are offered or arranged by the community, and make sure they are appealing and engaging to both parties.

Plan ahead and make the move early

Moving to a senior living community enables older adults to live a more relaxing, laidback lifestyle. Instead of worrying about household chores, couples can focus on their relationship and take advantage of all the perks of community living, including increased social interaction, fun activities, and chef-prepared meals. For this reason, it’s best for couples to plan ahead for the transition to senior living–before they need higher levels of care.

Downsizing and moving in early–while each partner is still in good health–allows couples to more fully enjoy the benefits of a senior living community. Additionally, planning ahead gives couples the chance to tour nearby communities, compare the different options and make an informed decision together, on their own time.

Physical therapy in a senior rehabilitation center

After being discharged from the hospital due to an illness, injury, or elective surgery, many older adults are referred by their doctor to an inpatient senior rehabilitation facility, where they receive therapy services and medical care before returning home.

But many times, older adults and their families feel intimidated or overwhelmed at the prospect of entering an inpatient rehabilitation facility, especially if they don’t know what to expect.

Don’t worry—it’s natural to feel nervous before any new experience, particularly when it involves your health care. Luckily, rehabilitation facilities such as the Bethany Rehabilitation Center exist to help older adults recover in a healing environment with support every step of the way. With short-term nursing care and a full range of therapy services, the Bethany Rehabilitation Center is designed specifically for older adults recovering from cardiac procedures, joint-replacement surgery, falls, accidents, or other major illnesses.

We recently sat down with Jessica Dutton, Director of the Bethany Rehabilitation Center, and Robyn Powell, Manager of Social Services, who explained what older adults and their families can expect during a short-term stay in inpatient rehabilitation.

What is the intake process like for someone admitted to the Bethany Rehabilitation Center?

Jessica: As part of the intake process, our admissions staff members help the rehab resident and their family complete necessary paperwork. Then, our dedicated care staff will help the resident get settled into their private room and do an initial assessment of their needs. A nurse case manager develops an individually tailored plan that addresses the resident’s requirements for different therapy disciplines such as physical, occupational, and/or speech therapy, as well as their nutrition, and medical needs. We have more than 25 dedicated care professionals working in the Bethany Rehabilitation Center, including a medical director and physician who oversee the care of residents from the time of admission.

The majority of rehab residents come to the Bethany Rehabilitation Center from a hospital stay, but we do have Bethany Village residents who are coming from our Independent Living or Assisted Living communities to receive medical management and therapy services. In fact, all on-campus residents of Bethany Village have priority admission to the Bethany Rehabilitation Center, should they need it.

Robyn: Each rehab resident is assigned a social worker, who starts the process of discharge planning from day one. We understand that for most rehab residents, their goal is to return back home, and we share that same goal. We sit down with rehab residents and their families to identify and plan for the supports they will need for a successful transition home. We work with the resident through every challenge to ensure they receive the best possible care throughout their stay and return home safely and as quickly as possible.

What’s a typical day like for someone in the Bethany Rehabilitation Center? What should families expect?

Jessica: Each individual has a customized schedule for his or her day, but in general, most rehab residents can expect to receive about 45 minutes to 1 hour of each necessary therapy discipline (physical, occupations, and speech), six days a week. We coordinate these therapy services with any additional medical care a resident may need. Our goal is to stabilize their medical needs, advance their therapy, and then prepare them for discharge with a plan for home therapy or outpatient therapy.

Robyn: We’ve found that it helps rehab residents stay motivated when family comes to visit them and brings activities for them to do together throughout their stay. Residents at the Bethany Rehabilitation Center also have the option to participate in the activities and programs happening at Bethany Village, as well as social dining in our dining rooms, if they wish. We understand that every resident has different preferences for how they spend their day, and we respect those preferences, whatever they may be.

What makes the Bethany Rehabilitation Center different from other inpatient rehabilitation centers?

Robyn: Faithful caring is at the heart of everything we do at Bethany Village. It’s what drives our staff, our social workers, our nurses, and our life enrichment professionals. It’s who we are, and the residents and families that come to the Bethany Rehabilitation Center appreciate that. We’re not only looking at the physical or medical needs of an individual, but we’re looking at the whole person and how they’ve been impacted by their acute hospitalization or medical issue. If there are emotional struggles or psychological struggles that a resident needs assistance coping with, the social service department can provide support with counseling or refer the resident to pastoral care to provide the support of spiritual counseling. We also have access to professional, licensed counselors who come to campus to work with residents.

What is the discharge process like for rehab residents? How does the Bethany Rehabilitation Center help residents transition home?

Robyn: Discharge planning is an ongoing, evolving process throughout the rehab resident’s entire stay. We pride ourselves on the level of communication our social services team has with the residents and families. We don’t want anyone to be discharged and be surprised by our recommendations for their care. As our team is noting progress and discussing recommendations, we keep residents and their families involved and educated. I believe that communication is a key component of effective discharge planning.

Our social services team also gives families referrals to local resources that can help older adults stay safely in their own home. For some rehab residents needing ongoing care, a short-term rehab stay can ease the transition to an advanced level of care in an assisted living or skilled nursing facility. If this is the case, we’re here to help families find the right fit and connect them to those resources.

To learn more about the therapy services offered at the Bethany Rehabilitation Center, please contact us today. We are happy to speak with you and schedule a tour of our facilities!

Many older adults have fascinating stories to tell about their lives, but they don’t always have an outlet to share them. The next time you visit your loved one, consider setting aside some time to interview them about their lives and memories. Here are some wonderful ways to capture and preserve your loved one’s stories for future generations.

Keep a journal

One of the easiest ways to preserve your family’s history is by simply writing it down. Ask questions to encourage your loved one to share more about their life. What was their favorite childhood memory? Who was their first love? What are some valuable lessons they learned in their life? StoryCorps has a great list of interview questions which can also serve as writing prompts.

If they are willing and able, your loved one can also write or type out their memories themselves. In some senior living communities, nonfiction writing classes are offered to help residents put their real-life stories into words. Many seniors find that writing about their lives is highly enjoyable and even therapeutic.

Create a scrapbook

Looking through photographs with your loved one is another way to help them recall memories of people, events, and stories. Especially if your loved one is living with Alzheimer’s disease, seeing photographs may help to spark their memory. As you sort through your loved one’s collection of photos, try to label them, taking note of the date, event, and the people in the scene. Assembling a scrapbook together is a great way to spend time with your loved one and ensure their priceless memories are preserved for posterity.

Record an oral history

Some families preserve their history by recording interviews with loved ones. Because many smartphones come with recording apps, it’s relatively easy to record quality audio of your loved one sharing their stories and memories. Try to record multiple interviews and conversations with your loved one over time and compile them into a cohesive audio document that can be shared with other family members.

Make a video

Today’s smartphones are equipped with cameras that make it possible to record high-quality video footage anytime, anyplace. Take advantage of the technology to capture footage of your loved ones during your next visit or family get-together. Recorded interviews, candid footage, old family “home videos” and photos can all be edited together to create your own movie masterpiece.

No matter how you choose to capture and preserve family memories, the most important outcome is the opportunity to connect with your loved one on a deeper level. Be sure to ask plenty of questions and learn as much as you can about your loved one’s stories and experiences. You will never regret spending those extra moments together!

How have you preserved your loved one’s memories? Which method do you like best? Let us know on social media: @BethanyLutheranVillage.

There’s nothing quite as special as the relationship between grandparent and grandchild. When older and younger generations spend time together, it can lead to incredible outcomes for everyone involved. It’s been shown that interacting with young children benefits older adults’ self-esteem, memory, and communication. And for children, interacting with an older loved one can help them build confidence and further develop their social and emotional skills.

The best way to bridge the gap between these two generations is by spending plenty of quality time together. But when grandchildren come to visit, it can sometimes be difficult to find something fun to do. The next time you’re together, try one of these generation-bridging activities:

Share a story

Introducing your grandchild to the importance of reading is one of the best things you can do. You can read aloud to them or have them practice reading to you. If your grandchild is old enough, you could even start a book club, where you read the same book at the same time and discuss the themes and characters afterward. At Bethany, we have several libraries located on our campus where visitors and residents can borrow books to share.

Document family history

Making a family tree is an activity that will help your grandchild understand their family history and heritage. Together, you can design your family tree using an online template or make it from scratch using paper. Another way to document family history is by creating a scrapbook. Looking through photographs, letters, and other special tokens is sure to spark meaningful conversations about the past. If your grandchild is tech-savvy, consider making a “digital scrapbook” together. This involves documenting family stories and significant events through videos and voice recordings.

Play games

Rainy days are perfect for playing games or working on a puzzle. Teach your grandchild how to play the classic board games that you played as a kid, or ask them to show you the latest video game or computer game. Cards are another fun way to pass the time. Try your hand at a kid-friendly game such as Go Fish, Rummy, or Crazy Eights. In most senior living communities, games, cards, and puzzles are readily available for residents and visitors to enjoy together.

Plant a garden

Gardening is another fun and rewarding activity for grandparents and grandchildren to do together. One easy method of planting seeds is by using an empty egg carton. Poke holes in the bottom of each egg cup and add some potting soil and seeds. Lightly water the seeds each day and keep them in a sunny location. In just a few days, the seeds should sprout into small seedlings. Then, you can transfer them to a permanent location, whether its a larger pot or an outdoor garden. Some easy to grow plants include cucumbers, radishes, tomatoes, and green beans.

Bridge the technology gap

Taking advantage of technology such as email, video chatting, social media, and texting can help develop and strengthen the bond between grandparents and grandchildren, especially if they are separated by distance. The next time they come to visit, ask your tech-savvy grandchild to give you a quick lesson. Even if you already know how to use a smartphone and tablet, your grandchild might have some new apps or tools to show you.

Perhaps the best part of being a grandparent is spending quality time with your grandchildren, whether you play games, create a special project, or learn something new together. What are your favorite activities to do with your grandchildren?

If you’re just beginning to research senior living communities for yourself or an older loved one, you’ve probably come across some unfamiliar terminology. It’s easy to be confused by the special language used in senior living and senior care, so don’t worry if you’re a little lost at first. This list of common senior living terms and phrases can help to clear up the confusion as you search for senior living options.

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

Activities of daily living are everyday tasks such as bathing, personal hygiene and grooming, eating, using the toilet, mobility, getting dressed, and medication management. In an assisted living or skilled nursing facility, caregivers provide older adults with extra assistance and support for these basic needs.

Aging in Place

Aging in place refers to when seniors remain living at home or with their family as they grow older. Seniors who want to stay in their own homes often benefit from the assistance of in-home caregivers.

Assisted Living

Assisted living is a type of senior living community that’s designed for older adults who need extra help and support with some activities of daily living, but are otherwise independent. Residents enjoy having a private living space, usually an apartment-style suite with a bedroom, living room, and kitchenette. Along with personal care support services, assisted living typically includes chef-prepared meals, laundry services, housekeeping, and transportation services, as well as opportunities to participate in the social activities and events within the community.

Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)

A CCRC is a community that offers senior living options and care across multiple levels, including independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing care, and memory care, all on the same campus. Residents of a CCRC, such as Bethany Village, enjoy the convenience of remaining on one campus and maintaining friendships as their care needs change over time.

Independent Living

Independent living communities, also known as retirement communities, are an ideal choice for older adults who can still live independently but want a more maintenance-free style of living. In independent living, residents live in private residences within a community made up of their peers. Convenient services such as home maintenance and repairs, landscaping, and transportation to off-site activities may also be offered to help residents enjoy a more relaxing retirement.

Memory Care

Memory care is a type of long-term care provided to people with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other types of memory problems. Memory care units, which may be located within a senior living community, often have numerous safety features and staff members available 24-hours a day for added safety and security. Memory care also includes special structured activities or programs to enhance the lives of individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Rehabilitation

Following a hospitalization due to illness, injury or a planned surgery such as a joint replacement, many older adults benefit from recovering in a short-term rehabilitation facility instead of returning home right away. Some senior living communities feature rehabilitation centers on their campus, offering short-term nursing care and therapy in a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. Staying in a short-term rehabilitation center can help to speed up the recovery process and maximize results which prevents rehospitalization.

Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)

Skilled nursing facilities are ideal for older adults who need long-term nursing care. Residents enjoy all the perks of community living, with the added benefit of having registered nurses available on-site 24-hours a day in case of an emergency.

Most of us have heard the common saying, “bored to death.” But is boredom really that dangerous? Emerging research finds that boredom can lead to harmful physical, emotional, and mental health effects, especially for older adults.

Why is boredom so common in older adults?

No one likes to be bored, including seniors. However, the older population is often more prone to boredom due to changes in their lifestyle. After retirement, many older adults struggle to adjust to life without the structure and consistent routine of working or raising a family.

Over time, chronic boredom and restlessness may lead to feelings of dissatisfaction, purposelessness and even more serious mental health issues like depression. These feelings may be exacerbated in older adults who experience declining health, limited mobility, or the loss of friends and family. Seniors who live alone are even more vulnerable to the dangers of chronic boredom.

Dangerous effects of boredom

We all experience brief moments of boredom from time to time, but a prolonged absence of stimulating or interesting activity can greatly diminish one’s health and quality of life. Boredom is often linked to mental and emotional health concerns such as loneliness, social isolation, anxiety, and depression. The negative effects of boredom contribute to physical health issues, too. Studies show that people with a high level of boredom have an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, and emerging research indicates that a lack of mental stimulation may be related to cognitive decline and dementia.

How does senior living help prevent boredom?

Fortunately, there are ways to help seniors fight boredom and find more fulfillment throughout their retirement years. Recognizing the dangers of boredom, today’s senior living communities offer a variety of social activities and recreational opportunities to help older adults prevent boredom and create new friendships. From book clubs to fitness programs, from trips to the theatre to dance classes, senior living communities provide countless opportunities for residents to stay active and engaged every day!

Moving to senior living is one of the best ways to help older adults prevent boredom and avoid social isolation. If you’re concerned about an older loved one living alone, consider the benefits of a senior living community to enhance their happiness, health, and quality of life.

Most of us know that retirement is something we should look forward to – after all, retirement is supposed to be a reward for years of hard work. But after decades spent working or raising a family, it’s normal to experience a feeling of loss as your retirement approaches. Without the sense of purpose that comes from a highly structured day, some older adults worry they’ll become bored or lonely once they retire.

However, thinking about your “golden years” should fill you with excitement, not worry! Retirement brings many changes, but it also brings more opportunities to pursue hobbies, make new friends, and spend time doing what you love most. Here are just a few of the many wonderful reasons to look forward to your retirement years:

More freedom and flexibility

Once you retire, you’ll have more control over how you spend your time. Without a schedule to follow, you can plan your day however you want and set your own routine. Retirees can take advantage of their freedom and flexibility to travel, explore new interests, or just slow down and relax at home.

Hobbies or activities

Retirement is a great time to take up a hobby and learn new skills. Maybe you’ve always wanted to try your hand at an artistic activity like painting, drawing, or ceramics. Or maybe you want to pick up an old hobby where you left off. Having a hobby that brings you joy and fulfillment can also provide health benefits. Research shows that engaging in hobbies and leisure activities help older adults relieve stress, prevent social isolation, and improves their overall quality of life.

Opportunities to learn

Staying mentally active and engaged will keep your mind sharp and prevent you from becoming bored in retirement. For example, you can join a book club, enroll in continuing education classes, or try learning a new language. Most independent living communities encourage lifelong learning by offering classes, clubs, and programs to suit any interest.

New friendships

Friendship is important at any stage of life, but it can be particularly important to have close companions as we grow older. Studies show that as we age, our friends make an even bigger difference in our health, happiness, and wellbeing. While some adults may worry about becoming lonely once they retire, the truth is that retirement is a perfect time meet new people and form new friendships. Moving to an independent living community is one way seniors can enjoy a more vibrant social life and make new friends during their retirement years. With plenty of fun activities, outings, and events, moving to independent living gives seniors a chance to socialize and form new friendships with their peers.

Retirement isn’t an end, but rather it’s only the beginning of a brand new stage of life filled with new experiences and opportunities. Most importantly, how you spend your retirement is up to you! No matter how you choose to use your time and energy, we encourage you to do what you love and enjoy life throughout retirement!

According to the Arthritis Foundation, about 54 million people in the U.S. are diagnosed with arthritis, an umbrella term referring to joint pain and joint disease. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, a condition which commonly affects older adults and is caused by the cartilage between joints wearing down over time. When osteoarthritis becomes severe, it can impact mobility and make it painful to do things a person used to enjoy.

However, there are senior-friendly activities that actually help ease the joint pain and stiffness associated with arthritis. For seniors with arthritis, certain hobbies and exercises can be therapeutic, both physically and emotionally. Here are a few activities that are beneficial for older adults with arthritis.

Arts and crafts

Arthritis often causes pain in the hands, fingers, wrists, and elbows, limiting a person’s fine motor skills and making it more challenging to grasp items. One way seniors with arthritis can improve dexterity is by taking up arts and crafts. Activities such as painting, coloring, photography, knitting, ceramics, sculpting, and scrapbooking can be modified for people with arthritis. For example, specialized, ergonomic tools such as comfort-grip paint brushes, knitting needles, or pencils make arts and crafts easier and more comfortable. Engaging in creative activities is also known to help reduce boredom and boost cognitive function among older adults.

Gardening

Gardening is an activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Planting, watering, and tending to plants is relaxing and meditative, making it a wonderful hobby for older adults dealing with arthritis. Gardening activities can be adapted for those with arthritis by using joint-friendly tools with large handles, gloves with grips, or special cushions for kneeling. If bending down to tend to plants or pull weeds is difficult, bring them to you! Flower beds can be raised to reduce the pain caused by kneeling, and plants like herbs or succulents make easy tabletop container gardens.

Cooking

Many older adults find preparing meals for family and friends to be a fun, therapeutic activity. Cooking offers nourishment for both body and soul, allowing us to connect with others through the celebration and tradition of eating meals together. The act of stirring, mixing, and measuring ingredients can also help improve flexibility and strength in the hands and wrists of arthritis patients. Plus, trying new recipes is a great way to challenge the brain and expand one’s culinary palate. Unfortunately, for older adults with arthritis, it can become painful to do things like lift groceries or chop vegetables. Try using kitchen utensils with wide, comfort grip handles, or make cooking a more pain-free and social experience by asking friends or family members to help with carrying heavy pots and pans or groceries.

Aqua exercises

Older adults with arthritis can benefit from trying low-impact physical activities such as aqua exercises. Water provides buoyancy that reduces joint stress and pain. Aquatic workouts often include non-weight bearing strength and walking exercises in heated pools with the added support of flotation vests or belts. Many people find that aqua exercises improve their range of motion and help soothe painful joints. Just remember to consult with your doctor before trying any new exercise program.

Dancing

Dancing is another low-impact exercise that offers significant health and social benefits for older adults. According to the Arthritis Foundation, older adults who completed a 45-minute dance class twice a week reported less knee and hip pain after a three month period. Not only is dancing a great way to improve balance, strength, and flexibility, but it’s also a fun social activity that positively impacts seniors’ mental and emotional health. Recent studies find that the challenge of learning new dance steps helps older adults improve cognitive function and may reduce the risk of developing dementia.

Arthritis is an increasingly common senior health issue, but it doesn’t need to inhibit older adults’ quality of life. Older adults can still enjoy plenty of fun and engaging activities that help to boost mobility and reduce the pain caused by arthritis.

We all want the best for our parents, especially as they grow older. Many senior adults value their independence and want to continue living at home as they age. However, there comes a day when most families are faced with a difficult question: How do I know if my aging loved should still live alone? If you’re concerned about the safety and wellbeing of your mother, father, or another older relative, look out for these warning signs, which may indicate they need the services provided by assisted living.

The house looks messier than you remember

The next time you visit your parent, take note of their home’s condition. Is the house cluttered, or messier than usual? Do you notice piles of unopened mail or bills? Is there expired food in the refrigerator, dirty dishes, or other signs of neglected household chores? Does the house itself need repairs or maintenance work? These could be signs that your parent is having difficulty keeping up with their home and needs more help.

You notice changes in their physical appearance

With age, we all inevitably experience changes in our appearance. But some physical changes can be a cause for concern. If you notice that your parent has suddenly lost or gained a significant amount of weight, it could be a sign of malnutrition or another underlying health problem. Also, look out for anything abnormal in your parent’s personal hygiene and grooming habits. For example, are their clothes clean? Are they still getting haircuts? Giving your parent a hug can reveal a lot about any worrisome changes in their physical health and wellness, especially if you haven’t seen them in a while.

You spot signs of forgetfulness

Everyone experiences forgetfulness from time to time, but forgetfulness that interferes with your parent’s everyday routine can be an indication of a more significant problem. Some clues that your parent may be experiencing a memory condition include things like forgetting appointments, becoming confused about people they know, missing medication doses, or repeating the same questions or stories. Frequent forgetfulness and memory loss are a clear sign that your parent may no longer be able to live alone at home safely.

They’re not as social as they used to be

Maybe your mother used to be a social butterfly, but lately, she has been withdrawing from her friends and social groups. Or perhaps your father isn’t as interested in the hobbies he used to love. Changes in your loved one’s social life and activities can be a sign of depression, one of the most common mental illnesses among older adults. If you suspect your parent is lonely, isolated, or depressed, living alone might no longer be the best option for them. Assisted living communities provide older adults more opportunities for social engagement, which in turn helps improve their physical and emotional health.

If you’re worried about the health and safety of your loved one living alone, don’t be afraid to voice your concerns. Many seniors adults are stubborn about asking for help, or they may be unaware that they need any assistance in the first place. Before you approach the topic of assisted living with your parent, take some time to research and visit nearby assisted living facilities. You’ll feel well-prepared as you propose the idea and gain a better understanding of the services and amenities provided in assisted living.

Whether you’re a professional artist or just enjoy making art as a hobby, we can all appreciate the therapeutic process of creating. Art therapy was born out of the idea that art and creative expression can help people improve their mental, physical, and emotional health and overall well-being.

In art therapy, people are guided by a professional art therapist who helps them engage with different art forms while addressing their mental, physical, or emotional health concerns at the same time. For older adults, creating art and participating in art therapy can be particularly beneficial. Let’s take a look at some of the top benefits of art therapy for seniors.

Increased motor skills and coordination

In art therapy, participants focus on a single task such as painting, drawing, sculpting, or another creative project. Engaging in these light physical activities helps to improve coordination and increases blood flow, which may improve dexterity in the hands, wrists, and fingers. As a result, art therapy can help adults with arthritis or other joint conditions manage inflammation and chronic pain.

Cognitive function and stimulation

Engaging in art therapy challenges people to think creatively and boosts cognitive function. The process of learning something new, such as a new art skill, helps to stimulate healthy brain activity and keep our minds sharp. Some studies even suggest that art may reduce the rate of development of memory conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. For seniors living with memory loss, the process of creating art can be an avenue for communication and self-expression.

Improved mood and mental health

Art therapy is known to lessen feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress in people of all ages. In one study, older adults who participated in arts activities experienced lower levels of loneliness, depression, and better morale. Participants found that the calming action of putting a paintbrush or pencil to paper helped them relax and focus on positive feelings. Ultimately, art therapy can be a powerful tool to help older adults cope with common issues such as isolation, loneliness, and stress, which may be caused by age or health-related changes.

Opportunities for social connection

In many cases, art therapy occurs in a social environment, which encourages participants to socialize and facilitate communication with those around them. For older adults who may struggle with feelings of loneliness or isolation, art therapy gives them the opportunity to exercise their social skills and make new friends in a relaxing, casual setting.

With so many positive benefits, it’s easy to see why many retirement communities offer art classes and art therapy programs to help seniors experience an improved quality of life and enjoy the fun and freedom of creating.