Why creating art is great for you
Whatever creative pursuit appeals to you, just giving it a try will be helpful to you now that you’re living with dementia. There are many reasons why art, crafts and creative activities
Getting involved in arts and crafts has been shown to be:
Engaging – helping you to focus and concentrate and relieving boredom
Sociable – especially if you work with or alongside others in a group as you create
Pleasurable and fun – the act of creating something is in itself a joyous activity
Calming – creating something reduces anxiety
Communal – if you join a local art or crafts activity group, you’re engaging with your wider community
Purposeful – finding something you enjoy that results in something you’ve created is meaningful
Supportive – taking part in arts and crafts with someone who cares for you brings social benefits for both of you
Expressive – art is a powerful way to share how you’re feeling
There are many other benefits, depending on what art activity you try and what kind of symptoms you might be experiencing. For example, some people have problems with their speech but have no problem saying what they need to say via painting or poetry. Others find that they’re not able to use their hands like they used to, but can block paint or finger knit. For those with short-term memory problems, accessing longer term memories as they recall activities they loved as a child or in their younger years brings happiness.
Arts activities to try
Painting, sketching or colouring with an adult colouring book
Decorating wooden furniture, painting pots and bird boxes
Writing and/or reading poetry
Knitting and crochet – including finger knitting
Pottery and clay modelling
Photography
Needlecraft, sewing, felting etc
Card making
Creating collages from various materials e.g. paper, sand, shells, fabric
Origami or paper work
Block painting and clay stamping
Flower pressing
Decoupage
You can find some inspiring stories about the role of art in the lives of those living with dementia and see what arty activities others are sharing about here
Find arts and crafts activities and groups in your area
Look at the Alzheimer’s Society website for ideas for other hands-on creative activities here