Not everyone is an early bloomer. Many seniors discover their artistic talents later in life. These late bloomers learn they have a knack for artistic endeavors, from photography to painting or music. No one is too old to learn, and seniors’ art is enriched by their wealth of life experience.
It is not uncommon for seniors to feel disappointed when they believe they should have reached certain milestones at a certain age. Society applauds youthful artistic successes. However, life does not proceed on a fixed schedule. Older people can discover artistic talents to share with the world.
Research shows that today, major life events are being accomplished at a later age, especially in comparison to past generations. Seniors are as capable of artistic achievements as people in their 20s. As people search for meaning and live longer, it is no surprise when they bloom later in life.
Discovering artistic talents later in life adds meaning and leads to a sense of fulfillment in seniors. Older people who stumble upon an unknown or little-used talent no longer view themselves negatively in comparison to others or feel they’ve been forgotten; rather, they feel like a success.
Resilience comes with finding artistic gifts at a later age, and this character trait influences problem-solving skills, innovation, and emotional and physical well-being. Seniors who fail and try again build their resilience. Older people simply have more experience managing disappointments and setbacks.
Painting
Anna Mary Robertson Moses was a popular painter who started painting at age 78. Although she had initially created needlework pictures and quilts portraying farm life, arthritis rendered her unable to embroider. At the suggestion of friends, she turned to paint those scenes instead.
A self-taught artist, Moses painted the joys of farm life, from the barnyard dances to lightning strikes in open fields. She exhibited professionally through her 90s, earning the nickname “Grandma Moses” from a reviewer. Moses painted until shortly before her death at age 101.
Discovering Painting Talents of Your Elderly Loved Ones
Painting is an artistic endeavor seniors can pursue if they are interested in dabbling with colors. Painting classes are a relaxing way to socialize with likeminded peers. As in any other skill, learning to paint increases brain activity and forces seniors to use both sides of their brain at once.
One of the challenges that prevent seniors from discovering their artistic potential is the health problems that develop as they age, read How to Care for Seniors with Cataracts? to learn how to help your elderly overcome challenges and enjoy their artistic hobbies and passion.
Photography
Famed nature photographer Ansel Adams contributed hundreds of photographs until his death in 1982 at age 82. He was known for the black and white photographs of the American landscape. He enjoyed a roughly 60-year career as both a photographer and environmentalist.
Photography is an excellent artistic hobby for seniors, one that promotes emotional and physical well-being. Older people navigate terrains, carry camera equipment, and spend time under the sun—all of which contribute to physical wellness. Improving confidence is an emotional benefit.
Seniors who discover they have a knack for photography always have something new to learn, whether it’s a new technique or technology. Learning new information keeps the aging mind sharp. Pursuing photography, therefore, enhances cognitive vitality and keeps the brain healthy.
Discovering Photography Talents of Your Elderly Loved Ones
Assisting Hands Home Care of Sarasota, FL is a proud sponsor of the Forever Young: Creative Aging Photography Show at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts. This exhibit features photographs taken by local senior residents. Seniors who are interested in photography will be delighted by this exhibit.
Music
Some musicians made their most successful music after age 65. Leonard Cohen wrote poetry before he set his sights on writing music in the late 1960s. At age 50, Cohen released an album that catapulted him to worldwide fame. His music is still celebrated today.
The majority of seniors simply have an interest in singing or playing an instrument. Sing-a-longs can be enjoyed by elderly individuals of all ability levels and do not require instruments. Music, whether seniors listen to or play it, offers a wealth of psychological and physical health benefits.
Music can trigger childhood memories in older adults who live with Alzheimer’s disease; this increases communication with others. Further psychological benefits include enhanced mood, improved interest levels, and increased positive emotions. Music, in general, promotes a happier outlook on life.
Playing music also has abundant physical health benefits. Seniors who play an instrument or sing experience better quality sleep, diminished pain, and faster recovery times. Increased mobility and coordination are also health benefits of being involved in music in some way.
Discovering music Talents of Your Elderly Loved Ones
Seniors are likely to pursue an artistic hobby after learning they possess a certain degree of natural talent. Even when inborn talents for the arts are lacking, older adults still have countless opportunities to enjoy photography, painting, and music as enthusiastic observers.
Discovering an artistic talent may require help from caregivers in the event the senior would like to pursue it further. Caregivers can supply camera equipment, watercolor paints, or an instrument. The emotional support and encouragement from caregivers can keep the hobby going.
When the senior in your life feels compelled to pick up an artistic hobby, turn to the professional caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care for invaluable in-home support. We’ll ensure the senior has access to all the tools needed to pursue the hobby. Plus, our encouragement bolsters her confidence.
Companion care from Assisting Hands Home Care is more than just a dedicated form of emotional support. Our care services also include help with the activities of daily living. Caregivers assist seniors with personal hygiene tasks, cooking, transportation, medication reminders, and light chores.
Loneliness and isolation can plague seniors who live alone. Companion care from our home care agency eliminates these painful feelings and instead keeps elder care recipients socially engaged. As a result, older adults in our care experience improved emotional health and well-being.
The professional caregivers from our home care teams are background checked so that families and their elderly loved ones experience peace of mind. Our care services are flexible, too, ranging from brief respite care to 24-hour care. We’ll customize a care plan for the senior in your life.
Seniors living in Sarasota, Florida, have a wealth of care options when they choose Assisting Hands Home Care. Our representatives are available for an in-home consultation to determine specific care needs. Call us today to schedule an initial assessment and start quality senior home care in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key, North Port, Venice, and Lakewood Ranch, FL, and the surrounding areas.
