Creativity: The More You Use, The More You Have

Start the summer off with creativity and promote healthy aging! There is a growing body of research exploring the relationship between aging and creativity. Creativity influences your mind and body. It fosters communication and expression that is both healing and embraces the wholeness inherent in each of us. Creative activities provide you with opportunities to heal and continue to grow.

Expert Insight

"Experiencing the arts has the added benefit of stimulating your brain centers and impacting your cognitive functioning. When you are moved by a  performance, your limbic system is stimulated. Your temporal lobe is engaged when listening or watching a performance that arouses your emotions. When you explore the visual arts, you process what you see through many different parts of your brain. When you dance, your motor cortex is stimulated. Each experience in appreciating or participating in a wide range of the arts can improve your attention and concentration. Enjoying a rich tapestry of any kind of artist endeavor connects you with your own humanity!" - Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D., M.S., Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.

Take Action Now

• Create Something. Learn a new skill by taking a Community Education class or a L.I.F.E. course.
• Discover Local Creativity. Visit the art exhibits in the Parkside Gallery at Charter House or explore art and healing by vising the Mayo Clinic Center for Humanities page.
• Learn a Musical Instrument. Not only is learning how to play a musical instrument fun, but it is a culturally enriching activity. If you already know how to play an instrument, learn a different one.

What do you do to express your creativity?  What would you like to try?