Seniors drawn to art by health benefits
Alina Kurbiel, a parishioner at St. Joseph in Fullerton, says taking art courses not only allows seniors to tap into their creative side, but it all has some important health benefits.
Photo: Gerry Jackson/CR Staff
A recent article from Catholic Review (November 15, 2023) outlines the profound impact of art classes on the health and well-being of seniors. Alina Kurbiel, who teaches art to seniors, emphasizes the cognitive, emotional, and social benefits of engaging in artistic activities.
These classes allow seniors to explore their creativity, which involves problem-solving and thinking outside the box, thus stimulating different brain areas. Additionally, engaging in art reduces stress and anxiety, providing a mental break from everyday problems. For seniors with memory difficulties, focusing on art helps exercise short-term memory, as they concentrate on an image and try to recreate it in their work.
These findings resonate deeply with the mission of Arts For Every Body to coordinate a movement guided by healing, equity, and community, believing in the arts' power to foster healthier communities and individuals. The initiative involves various artists and community members in creating large-scale participatory art projects across America, emphasizing unity through diversity and local cultural expression. Moreover, Arts For Every Body is dedicated to studying the connection between arts participation and community health, underscoring the significant health benefits of art, such as a lower risk of depression and dementia, and reduced stress and loneliness.
In summary, the article's insights into the health benefits of art for seniors align closely with Arts For Every Body’s objectives of harnessing the power of the arts for healing and community-building. Alina Kurbiel’s efforts underscores the integral role of art in enhancing cognitive abilities, emotional well-being, and social connection, thereby contributing to overall community health and resilience.
