Art Therapy for the Elderly

Art goes beyond the mere act of rubbing color onto canvas, or scribbling words onto blank pages, it is a form of expression that provides a physical manifestation of emotional perspective. A recent concept erected onto this emotional foundation has some discovering that art can not only help people express their true feelings while dealing with personal problems, but that the very act of creativity can be literally be a healing process. The American Cancer Society supports the belief that art therapy can actually help cancer patients cope with their emotions.

Art therapists describe art therapy as a way for people to express hidden emotions by providing a sense of freedom in an environment that minimizes stress, fear and anxiety. Although the American Cancer Society admits that art therapy has not been scientifically proven to have therapeutic value for people with cancer, several clinicians have documented instances where participants reported significant benefits.

Art therapy at Barcs, Hungary

One patient explained that art therapy occupies the patient’s mind, allowing them to focus on something other than the physical agony and emotional conflicts that they may be encountering during their treatment. She said that art offers great insight for the therapist, who may consider different colors, mediums and proportion to help them paint a better picture of the patients.