How Creative Expression Can Benefit Older Adults

26 Jul How Creative Expression Can Benefit Older Adults

The older adults in Dr. Raquel Stephenson’s art therapy session are painting. One non-verbal participant lights up as she experiences the tactile qualities of paint—its smell, touch, and feel. “These visceral interactions with the materials opened up a new path for communication with her,” says Stephenson. “Where Alzheimer’s Disease slammed shut the door of communication, art therapy opened up a new window.”

According to Stephenson, the power is in the art-making process—in how the artist engages with the art being made. And when there are language barriers, either from language loss through dementia or speaking another language, we can still communicate and build connection through art-making.

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