Being creative can run the gamut – from painting to writing code, drawing pictures to composing poetry or sculpting to creating your own variation of a recipe.
There are many benefits of tapping into your creativity, especially when you grow older. Just a few include an improved mental outlook on life, expanding your social relationships or seeing the world from a different perspective.
We all have the ability to be creative even if you’ve never considered yourself as such. You may just need to find the right outlet or expand your definition of what it means to be inspired.
The benefits of creativity as you grow older
Creativity is an advantage at any age but as we grow older the benefits can make a significant impact on our quality of life. Consider these:
1. May improve your mental health
Studies have revealed that creativity can increase positive feelings, decrease anxiety and improve a sense of happiness. These results can also influence your days as you may then see yourself in a more positive light, opening up other opportunities.
2. May improve your quality of life
For many, retirement provides more time to spend as you like. How you fill these hours can influence your view of life. Finding a new hobby or resurrecting your old artist brushes and paint can inspire you and bring new meaning to your days.
3. Help you feel connected to something outside of yourself
When we create, we automatically participate in a world bigger than ourselves. It can expand how you define your life, in addition to being a parent or the successful career that you had. You may find yourself excited to belong to another group of artists who share your choice of medium.
4. Achieve feelings of purpose or growth
If you’ve ever immersed yourself in an activity that has your full attention, you’ve likely experienced the sensation of lost time. When you truly focus on the creation at hand, the world seems to take a step back. This feeling is often expressed as finding a sense of purpose or growth.
5 creative ideas to try
If you’re one of the lucky ones that now has gained the freedom of unclaimed time on your hands, you may want to give your creativity a spark and see where it may lead. Short on ideas? Here are a few to try:
1. Pick up a camera
Seeing life through the lens of a camera expresses the world as you’re currently seeing it and provides a glimpse into your inner vantage point. There are many ways that you can convey who you are through the photographs you take.
Try experimenting with movement, zoom, focus, or angles. Take a walk around your neighborhood and see what ordinary detail you can capture and make captivating. Improve your skills with faces by practicing on your grandchildren and their many charming expressions.
2. Find a drawing pencil or paint brush
If you like to draw, all you need to begin is paper and a pencil. And if you start by doodling, you’ll be in the company of Queen Victoria, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Tennessee Williams and Jack Kerouac, all who have been known to scribble.
When it comes to painting, there are many options to consider. Some suggest acrylics if you’re a beginner, working your way up to oils and watercolors. Take an art class if you could use a little direction.
3. Take up a musical instrument
Did you always regret not learning to play the piano? Or do you love jazz and the sound of the clarinet? The instrument doesn’t matter but now is a great time to explore the possibilities of what music can bring to your life.
If you already know how to read music, you’re ahead of the game. But if not, don’t let that stop you. Sign up for music lessons and learn how to play or if you’re feeling adventurous and independent, purchase a book and teach yourself.
4. Create a garden
It is satisfying and therapeutic to sink your fingers into dirt. If you have the space for a small garden plot, take advantage of planning it out, including the size, amount of sun and what you will grow.
If you only have a deck or patio, give container gardening a try. You’ll still want to design your preferred look, including how many pots, their sizes and colors. One hint: grouping a set of differing pot sizes and heights provides a great focal point.
5. Write your own story
They say that everyone has at least one story they could tell. One of the easiest is writing your own. Not only will you enjoy the benefits of creativity, but you’ll have the opportunity to relive some of your favorite moments from childhood, child raising or special friendships.
But you’ll also be providing your own children and grandchildren with a written history of your life. You may be allowing them insights to your character or personality that they had never seen or understood before.
6. Become a chef
Did you always love to cook big holiday dinners or try recipes from different regions? Many people would have gladly put on a chef’s hat or toque, if life hadn’t got in the way. But now is your chance.
Take some time to consider the type of cooking you enjoy the most. Is it creating the perfect entrée, allowing for your own personal expressions and experimentation? Or would it be baking, where you can still be creative but the time, temperature and order of ingredients can make a big difference?
Ingleside’s Westminster at Lake Ridge Independent Living
We support all of our residents to tap into their creativity and provide amenities that encourage its expression. We also designed our community, services and programs to support all efforts to age well and live an enriched life.
Take a look at what our vibrant community has to offer:
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Your choice of cottage or apartment home
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Open one or two-bedroom floor plans that you can personalize to make your own
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Maintenance-free lifestyle
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Chef-prepared meals in our elegant dining room or casual café
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Fully equipped fitness center
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Heated indoor swimming pool
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Woodworking shop
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Two fishing ponds
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Indoor greenhouse
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Beautiful walking trails through our 62 wooded acres
Please visit our website for more information or call (703) 420-7105 if you have any questions or would like to schedule a personalized tour today.