Creativity Ideas for Seniors

What a perfect time to get creative and start a new activity or revive an old hobby!

Scientific studies have found that although creativity continues to be important as we age. “During old age there is high creative potential, which can improve the living conditions of the subject,” says one study. This is why programs for seniors often include creative tasks such as painting, writing, or acting.

Exercising creative abilities might also lead to better overall health in people over 60. Today’s Geriatric Medicine says, “Research demonstrates that the imagination and creativity of older adults can flourish in later life, helping them to realize unique, unlived potentials, even when suffering from Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.”

Related: Tips for using art therapy for seniors

In his book “12 Weeks to a Sharper You: Build a Better Brain at Any Age,” Sanjay Gupta includes “Find Your Flow” as important to brain health. Although flow can come from many activities, including sports and recreation, creative pursuits often top the list.

The creative potential in older adults has been demonstrated by well-known figures spotlighted in popular culture. Anna Mary Robertson Moses (Grandma Moses), a famous artist, didn’t start painting until she was 76, and she continued painting for another 25 years. Colonel Harlan Sanders started his acclaimed chicken franchises at age 65. Laura Ingalls Wilder began writing her celebrated “Little House” books in her mid-60s, as did author Frank McCourt, known for the novel and movie, “Angela’s Ashes.” Some actresses achieved success in the profession in their 40s and 50s, including Estelle Getty and Bea Arthur, and Kathryn Joosten, best known for playing Dolores Landingham on “The West Wing,” didn’t begin acting until her 50s. Some, like Betty White and Morgan Freeman, continued acting well into their senior years.

“Many people put creative pursuits aside. Creativity is abandoned when the pressures of adulthood exert themselves,” says literary consultant Claire Wingfield. “Bringing creative pursuits back into your life can return a semblance of balance.”

So how does one decide which creative outlet to pursue or what hobby to resurrect? Wingfield suggests taking time to reconnect with yourself and examine when you were your most creative, maybe 10 or 20 years ago. How did you demonstrate your creativity then? Can you do the same activity now?

Related: Review of “12 Weeks to a Sharper You: Build a Better Brain at Any Age”

Wingfield also suggests looking at window displays of crafts, visiting art museums, and even listening to people’s conversations to get inspired. Do you see things you would like to try to craft or paint? You can also visit your local community college or recreation center to find out about classes offered like jewelry making or pottery, creative writing, or even acting. If the craft project is a failure or you don’t like the class, you haven’t invested more than a little time and money.

Six creativity ideas for seniors

1. Writing

A writing class at a community college or recreation center can help you decide if you have talent and enjoy writing, but you can also explore it on your own. While teaching writing to college students for many years, I had them write a weekly journal entry for practice. Set aside time at your computer each day for a half an hour or so and write about a conversation you had, a movie or TV program you liked or disliked, a current event, or anything that interests you. In no time you will have dozens of entries that you might be able expand into something more, like a short story. If you want to start smaller, try writing a Haiku or other short verse each day instead.

2. Painting

I recently discovered a site on Facebook called Painting Skills, and I am dying to try it out. The site presents artists on video using acrylic paint, canvas, an assortment of brushes, and everyday things like scouring pads, Q-tips, aluminum foil, and other household items to create beautiful works of art. Although there will be a small cost for the materials, it seems pretty likely that by following the directions, anyone can create a piece of art. Community art studios offer classes for beginners too.

3. Photography

Since smartphones come equipped with a camera these days, there is no excuse not to try out your skill as a photographer. Instead of just spending time on family photos and selfies, try to concentrate on more artistic photos by zooming in on small details like flower petals or insects. There are lots of books, videos, and other resources for inspiration, including internet or in-person classes. You might even be able to sell your photos on line or create prints, calendars, or other products.

4. Needlework

Many of our generation, especially women, learned sewing, crocheting, embroidery, knitting, or quilting years ago, possibly finding it relaxing and enjoyable. Whatever your gender, it may be time to pick up where you left off or try an entirely new needlecraft project.

5. Woodworking and other building arts

Building things from wood or assembling models and miniatures can lead to a sense of satisfaction. Hobby and craft shops have everything from doll houses to ships in bottles, and there are lots of books and videos to aid in construction.

6. Community theater

Small theaters exist in almost every community, often with small parts for novices. Even if you don’t want to act, theaters may be looking for set designers and painters, costume designers and seamstresses, or people to produce programs and publicity.

Pick one – or more – of these creativity ideas for seniors. Find your flow and your fun!