For the first time, in November 2019, after an analysis highlighted by more than 900 scientific articles, the WHO stated in a report that art is a tool for the development of psychological well-being and should be encouraged in all its forms from the earliest age until the end of life.

Why is art so important?

Neurologist Pierre Lemarquis, author of "L'art qui guérit", published in November 2019 by Hazan, explains the importance of our two brains: one of them picks up the information around us, compares it with what is in memory and decides how to act on the world. This part resembles a computer: it sorts information and reacts reflexively, for our survival. But we also have a part that deals with pleasure and reward. This is what makes us want to live. Art has a power over both: it helps us discover new options, new things, but it also acts on our emotions by stimulating the feel-good hormones: dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin and endogenous morphine.

How does art fit into your life?

Many seniors experience the pleasure of art and have access to an artistic passion. In our last few blogs, we touched on photography and painting, but art can be so much more.

Testimonials:

Anne and Françoise are going to sing in an open-air choir:

"After the confinement, we absolutely had to get our voices outside. What a pleasure to discover this open-air choir activity. The music gives me chills, and I feel really good when I'm singing. Sharing this with others, just for a moment, was fantastic for me", says Anne. And Françoise adds: "We hadn't seen each other for years, and Anne and I found each other again through singing, and I loved it.

Charles is an abstract painter:

"The best way for me to refocus on myself is to pick up my brushes and isolate myself. My mind focuses on what I'm doing. I love discovering shapes and colours appearing without anticipation. I'm always amazed, and when I look at my paintings, I discover new and surprising subjects, and I get a lot of satisfaction out of it.

Josiane shares her experiences of visiting museums:

"I really like these new ways of opening museums, with their immersive approach. It's a new way of looking at art. I've seen Monet and I'm going to see Klimt soon. You can sit in a room and watch in 360 degrees, with the paintings projected onto all the walls. I bring my grandchildren along, and we're all amazed together. It's a real joy to share!

A circle of three friends get together to scrapbook:

For several years now, Véronique, Muriel and Solange have been getting together once a month to chat while creating their photo albums. They illustrate their memories with little drawings and stickers of all colours, talking and pasting together the bits and pieces of their travels and lives. "It's a great way to get together and share, and also to leave a trace behind us. We share an infinite pleasure in getting together to do this activity".

Marianne makes mandalas:

"I first learned about this technique at a workshop. The organiser got us to experience the mandala in the sand. It's like a meditation: we concentrate on the details of the mandala, while all my worries melt away. Now I create my own mandalas and I give them to my little girls too. They love colouring!

Paul plays music:

"When I'm feeling down, I dive into my phone and headphones. The music apps are marvellous. And I love the one that lets you find out what's playing on the radio. Music escapes me, it takes me away".

Art is also a major theme in the seniories. Dance, painting and other artistic activities are encouraged. Art therapy is becoming increasingly widespread. Art is a good way of focusing our attention in a positive way.  It is a good tool for reducing stress and boredom. Our brains need pleasure, so whatever our level of artistic or cultural expertise, it's good for our health, so let's enjoy it!

Ideas for cultural and artistic outings, as well as courses, in the Seniorslife directory!