Picking up the paint brush can be a great way to have fun, make friends, and explore your creativity. Painting isn’t just an activity people should participate in for fun, but for increased brain function as well. It doesn’t matter if you have zero artistic ability — create anything that comes to mind!

Learning vs Creating
Recently, a study was completed with two groups of older German adults. One group was assigned to paint and draw, while the other took an art appreciation class. After meeting weekly for 10 weeks, the group that created the art showed changes in the brain that positively affect memory and the ability to learn.

Added Abilities
Even further studies showed that those who created art on a weekly basis were more psychologically resilient. Stress was less likely to affect those in the hands-on painting and drawing classes. The ability to resist the effects of stress means that a person is more likely to be mentally healthy. Creating art (whether it’s painting, drawing, creating music, etc.) that expresses your inner self has been found to reduce the feelings of loneliness and depression.

Get Involved
Creating your very own art can be as simple as picking up a pencil, a piece of paper, and just drawing whatever comes to mind. However, why not make it as fun as possible by adding in some paint along with a group of friends? Letting your artistic creativity flow alongside the company of others will surely help relieve any feelings of loneliness while simultaneously improving memory and your ability to learn.

Painting isn’t just an activity for fun, it’s an activity to help your brain stay active and healthy! For other useful tips and information, visit our blog! If you’re interested in learning more, or visiting The Arbors Assisted Living community, schedule a tour by contacting one of our five convenient locations:

Bohemia
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