The Healing Power of the Arts

In last month’s AgeWise, we highlighted some research about the importance of social support for mental and physical health for older adults. This month we want to share some ongoing research and examples about how the arts can enhance our lives and well-being as well. The term “the arts” can include music, art, drama, films, sewing (needle arts), poetry, writing, gardening, wood working—anything that enhances your creativity and imagination. 

What has research found about the healing power of the arts? A New York Times bestseller, “Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us,” by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross, describes how engaging in the arts affects mental health and healing, and promotes feelings of being more alive. They report that when you participate in an art activity, it reduces the stress hormone cortisol and can ultimately extend your life span. They suggest that participating in art activities can have positive results no matter what your age.

Some local research is also underway. Sarah McKiddy, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Washington School of Nursing, and a member of the Seattle King County Aging and Disability Advisory Council, is studying the connections between music, brain health and dementia and how performing arts groups can work with dementia-specific community centers to create memory loss programs to boost patients’ well-being. I have personally seen how music has enriched the life of a friend who was recently diagnosed with dementia. He has still been able to continue his beloved cello lessons and give short concerts with his friends, which has given him immense joy and feelings of belonging. Sarah hopes her research will inform programs that help those with dementia. Her work and that of other programs at the Memory Hub Center on Capitol Hill in Seattle are described in a Seattle Times article that you can access free with a Seattle Public Library or King County Library account.  

The Frye Art Museum offers creative arts-based programs for all older adults, including those living with memory loss. They hope to inspire participants to connect with others through art. Examples include art gallery walks and discussion, storytelling, and seated dancing and meditations classes. The Frye Art Museum partners with The Memory Hub on a variety of programs.

Many senior and community centers already offer a variety of arts programs for older adults including those with memory loss. For example, at the Greenwood Senior Center, there is a song circle called “All Present” for people with dementia and their caregivers. Participants sing songs and most can still remember all the words from their pasts, even if they cannot remember what they did an hour earlier. At the Mt. Si Senior Center in North Bend, they offer “Heart Art Healing” with the idea that everyone is an artist, and healing is possible through creative expression. At the Sunshine Garden Chinese Senior Community Center, they have weekly karaoke and square dance classes. Kent Senior Activity Center has a coloring club and a poetry club. These are only few of the many offerings that are available around King County.

You can also go to a museum to see a new exhibit or to a local play or concert to be inspired by the artistic talents of others. Many venues have senior rates and accept the Age Friendly Seattle’s Gold Card, which gives you access to services and discounts at many museums and events.  If you don’t have your free Gold Card yet, check out how to get one here.

Even if you don’t consider yourself an artist, another big advantage of engaging in some type of art is that often you are doing it with others, and in that way, you can experience a sense of connection and stress reduction. Expressing yourself in whatever form of art suits you is the goal. In these next few weeks of winter, I encourage you to explore what art opportunities are available in your community and try one this month.

Contributor Alex O’Reilly chairs the Seattle-King County Advisory Council on Aging & Disability Services. She welcomes input from readers via email (advisorychair@agewisekingcounty.org).

Mark Your Calendars

The following are upcoming events of interest:

• ADS Advisory Council Meeting: Friday, March 13 (noon–2 p.m.); virtual meeting unless otherwise specified. To receive the meeting link and information, email michael.adusah@seattle.gov in advance.
• Civic Coffee: Chronic Disease Management: Friday, March 20 (11 a.m.–12 p.m.) at Yesler Community Center, 611 S Lane St., Seattle, WA 98104. Or online. Contact agefriendly@seattle.gov for more information.
• Bellevue Network on Aging: Scam Alert: Monday, March 30 (1:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m.); North Bellevue Community Center, banquet room, 4063 148th Ave NE, Bellevue. Learn about scams, how to spot and avoid them, and where to report it with Ruby Daly, Crime Prevention Officer of the Bellevue Police Department. Light refreshments provided.