Artistic activities are beneficial for the mental health of older adults.
- Researchers have found a positive association between engagement in recreational arts and mental well-being among older adults.
- “It is not necessary to be good at the art you practice for it to be beneficial,” the scientists point out.
- 18.1 million people are aged 60 or over in France, or more than a quarter of the population.
A new study reveals that artistic activities are linked to greater well-being among older adults.
With an increasing number of people living beyond the age of 60, it is more important than ever to understand how their lifestyles affect their health and well-being.
Previous research has already shown that events such as bereavement, isolation and financial difficulties can have a negative impact on the mental and physical health of older people. Other studies have also already proven that practicing activities such as sports has a positive influence on their overall health.
The new research was conducted as part of the Busselton Healthy Aging Study and targeted adults born between 1946 and 1964. 2,843 people residing in the city of Busselton were included in the study.
Mental health of older people and artistic activities: a strong association
Participants were asked about their involvement in various artistic processes (cultural events, creative workshops and volunteering) over the previous year.
Result: approximately 85% of participants had practiced an activity related to recreational art during the previous year. Women and people with higher incomes were more likely to participate in these types of activities.
One of the most significant findings from the analyzes is the positive correlation between engagement in recreational arts and mental well-being. The latter was measured using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Scale (WEMWBS).
Researchers showed that people who engaged in artistic activities had higher well-being scores than those who did not. This trend held even after taking into account variables such as income or education, indicating a robust association.
Mental health of older people: which artistic activities to practice?
“You don’t have to be good at the art you practice for it to be beneficial,” specify the researchers in conclusion. “It’s about trying and participating in activities that make you feel good. For one person it might be listening to music, for another it might be singing or dancing,” they write in their report.
18.1 million people are aged 60 or over in France, or more than a quarter of the population. Among them, 35% are 75 years old or over (6.4 million) and 13% are 85 years old or over (2.3 million).
