Music holds a unique and profound place in our lives. It has the power to transform our minds and souls and can influence our mental, emotional, and physical health. A soothing playlist can help with sleep, increase motivation for exercise, encourage self-expression through singing and dancing, and connect those who attend live musical performances. For those learning to play an instrument, it can enhance cognitive abilities.
0 Comments
In consideration of New Year’s resolutions, I made a commitment to infuse more exercise into my routine. Remembering the fond memories my son and I shared watching KidzBop on YouTube during his younger years, I revisited the channel. KidzBop offers an entertaining and age-appropriate space for youngsters to dance and stay active. It struck me as an opportunity not just to exercise but to explore new moves, break away from repetitive workouts, and alleviate the solitude of solitary fitness routines. Art, an ancient human expression, isn't just for virtuosos. Research shows art benefits everyone. Engaging in art for 45 minutes reduces stress, akin to meditation. Creating boosts confidence, triggering the feel-good hormone. Art enhances problem-solving skills, offering imaginative solutions. It even improves the quality of life for those with illness, showcasing the enduring power of human creativity. Resource:
University of Victoria. (2019). How arts benefits us all, as humans. https://continuingstudies.uvic.ca/arts/news/how-arts-benefits-us-all-as-humans/#:~:text=Seeing%20a%20completed%20work%20of,it%27s%20just%20a%20stick%20figure. By incorporating music into the lives of 89 patients with mild to moderate dementia along with their caregivers, a study builds on previous research. The study divided the participants into three groups, a singing coaching group, a music listening coaching group, and a usual care control group, for a 10-week program that focused on singing and listening to music to observe the impact on cognitive abilities, mood, and overall well-being. The singing group sang familiar songs and performed rhythmic movements and vocal exercises, while the music listening group had reminiscence discussions. The article, “Four Butterflies: End of Life Stories of Transition and Transformation,” by Marcia Brennan, is incredibly inspiring. It describes her experience as an Artist in Residence at a palliative care center at The University of Texas, and how she collaborates with another artist, Lynn Randolph, to create visual art and poetry that reflects patients’ individual narratives. The transformative power of this artistic process is described through four examples. With their creations, the artists help the individuals to connect with others and move toward closure. The article refers to “four butterflies” as the four stories of change, reflection, and spirituality.
Yarn arts, encompassing the timeless traditions of knitting, crocheting, and weaving, have transcended generations as cherished forms of creative expression and craftsmanship. Beyond the creation of beautiful works of art, these activities contribute to a healthier life by fostering stress reduction, increased confidence, and a myriad of cognitive and psychological benefits.
|
Subscribe to Artful Expression Weekly
Categories
All
Showcasing visual, literary, and performing artists on the new "Artistic Older Adults" Facebook and Instagram pages! If you are an older adult artist and would like to be featured, please reach out.
Celebrativity@gmail.com
317-345-7917 |