We all enjoy the arts in one form or another. Music is a universal medium, while painting, books, and other forms are also common. Some of us go further than appreciation and create our own art, either as a hobby or through the desire to become a fully fledged artist.

Whatever arts true purpose in life is, we clearly are designed to partake in it. What effect does the arts then have on us from a health perspective? As we get older, you may have noticed that those who age more gracefully generally do so when they have a purpose, a drive to accomplish something more. As the New York Times notes, the arts are a perfect activity for the elderly:

Ms. Tursini said the N.E.A.-sponsored study showed that when older people become involved in culturally enriching programs, they experience a decline in depression, are less likely to fall and pay fewer visits to the doctor. In another study among people with Alzheimer’s disease, a sculpting program improved the participants’ mood and decreased their agitation even after the program ended.

“The arts open people up, giving them new vehicles for self-expression, a chance to tell their stories,” Ms. Tursini said. “The programs capitalize on assets that remain, not on what’s been lost.”

This might be the motivation you need to pick up the guitar like you’ve always wanted, or to start drawing a little more frequently. Make sure to check out the full article for more details.

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