At retirement, you have the opportunity to pursue interests you may not have had time for when you were younger. Take advantage of this time of your life. Embrace and nurture your creativity and enhance your quality of life. Creativity:

 

1. Slows Mental Decline

Creative activities slow down cognitive decline, stimulate multiple areas of the brain, and keeps the brain alert. Painting, writing, crafting, cooking, gardening, and any activity that uses your creativity can enhance cognitive functions, sharpen focus, and improve critical thinking.

2.  Is a Means of Self-Expression

Creativity can be a way to express your feelings, fears, hopes, dreams, and even experiences. Emotional venting through creativity can be profoundly therapeutic.

3. Gives a Sense of Achievement and Purpose

Working on a project, no matter how big or small, gives you a sense of purpose, and completing it gives you a sense of accomplishment.

4. Is a Way to Connect Socially

Taking a class can provide you with social connection, collaboration, the joy of learning, and can be a way to develop new friendships.

5. Provides Physical Benefits

Activities like dancing, pottery, sculpturing, or gardening are both creative and physical exercises, that can enhance flexibility, improve balance, boost strength, and contribute to overall physical health.

6. Enhances Memory

Whether it’s writing about cherished memories, painting a scene from childhood, or singing popular songs you grew up with, these activities serve as cognitive exercises and a trip down memory lane.

It’s Not Too Late to Unleash your Creativity

Try something new, something you may have always wanted to try, renew an old passion, take a class, join a chorus, or learn to play an instrument. It’s never too late! Michelangelo painted until his death at 89.  Many writers don’t start writing until their 70’s. Self-publish your memoir or your family’s history. The final chapter can be the most creative. See what you can accomplish!