There are so many reasons for elderly people to engage in creative art, including reducing stress, improving memory, hand-eye coordination, self-esteem, enjoyment, and making new social connections. We often associate art and creativity with artists and creative people, but we shouldn’t overlook the benefits of partaking and just having fun. And let’s face it, it’s subjective and doesn’t have to be perfect – just like most things in life.

Arty Ideas

When we think of art, we often think about just painting or drawing, but if you are interested in getting creative but don’t know where to start, here are some ideas you may like to consider:

• Scrapbooking – think of a theme or concept that you would like to use to make a scrapbook. Find photos, press cuttings, look at Pinterest for inspiration, and experiment.
• Sewing, knitting or crocheting – join a group of like-minded friends or pick up a childhood skill again. Start with something simple and choose your favourite colours.
• Pressed flowers – why not pick some brightly coloured flowers from your garden and arrange them in between two sheets of wax paper? Place them under a heavy book then once completely flat you can laminate them and use them to decorate cards or place them in photo frames.
• Jewellery – buy a jewellery starter kit and make some nice pieces for yourself or as gifts for your friends or grandchildren.
• Finger painting – not just for toddler. Express yourself and have fun exploring what you can paint with your fingers.
• Pottery – classes can be expensive but look around for groups where you can get involved affordably and enjoy getting mucky in the process. Some community centres or U3A may even offer pottery classes.
• Collage making – similar to scrapbooking but using a variety of photos and other images spread out on a single canvas. Try capturing memories with photos that your guests can admire if you hang up in your entrance hallway.

There are so many ways for you to enjoy art and craft. Look out for local groups, head to your local arts and crafts store or browse online for ideas. You never know, you may discover a hidden creative talent that you didn’t know you had.

St Agnes’ Retirement Villages

We are committed to providing events for our residents. This includes a yearly art exhibition where we invite inspired individuals by creative artists and their work. By bringing together like-minded people who appreciate art, talented artists, or those who simply want to catch up with their neighbours, it’s a great event.

With morning tea and a diverse variety of creative works such as paintings, woodwork, knitted items, beading, and sewing, the options are endless. Check out our news and events about the most recent exhibition, which was a huge success.

For more information about our retirement villages and available villas, please get in touch with us.