We’re working on a project. It’s a secret at the moment, but I can’t remember when I’ve had so much fun. It involves a bucketload of creativity, the gifts of both my husband and myself, and some reaching outside several boxes to figure things out. Ideas for it wake me at night and encroach on my walks. It’s so fun, my mind won’t leave it alone. (I’ll show the finished product in May, I promise.)
Even if you “aren’t a creative person,” math or science skills can be used in a creative way. Sudoku puzzles leave me cold, but they improve concentration and memory in those who enjoy them.
Let’s quickly review some of the benefits of creativity. These are true for everyone, including elders of all abilities and those with dementia. Some activities may need modification, but there’s usually a way.
Creativity can improve:
- mental health
- communication
- relaxation and reduce stress
- mental acuity and problem solving
- opportunity to learn new skills or knowledge
- purpose and meaning in your life
Here’s some ideas:
Painting
I’ve recently discovered painting as a great stress reliever. Writing, although creative, is work, but painting is fun. I started with round discs of wood, which I made into Christmas 
decorations. I did a few for Easter, as well. Lately I’ve graduated to “porch boards,” a large piece of wood which sits on my porch to welcome folks. If I paint something and it doesn’t turn out, I paint over it. If it does, I display it. How fun is that?
Trains
Did you know there’s a whole culture of (mostly) men who run model trains and create the countryside they run in? All those trees, fences and other wildlife are handmade. If this in an interest, join one of these groups, or go to a mall or arena on a weekend where they are set up. They’d love to talk to you.
Creative writing/memoir
I’ve said writing is work for me, but it doesn’t have to be for you. A delightful friend of mine, Ella, used to plan her week around the writing group. Whoever ran the group helped those who attended “tell their stories,” and she would race down the hall with her walker to get there in time.
Scrapbooking
This has become big business, but can be a simple way to keep pictures and memories organized. Some coloured construction paper, plain and patterned, as well as a few stickers and a fancy marker are all the tools you need, as well as a basic book to put them in. Working together on this can bring plenty of opportunities for reminiscence. These same tools can also be used for card making.
Cooking
When you need to come up with a main meal, vegetable dish and possibly dessert every night, cooking doesn’t necessarily inspire you. But for special events or holidays, cooking can release memories and creativity. I’ve even sat with a group of ladies and an old cookbook and talked recipes, amid stories and laughter.
Woodworking
For those who enjoyed working with wood, sanding and constructing small projects will bring joy. We’re not looking for perfection, or even skill, just the fun of making something.
So, go forth! Make, create, produce, fabricate, design. Use what skills you have and develop new ones, or remember and tell stories. Allow creativity to give you purpose. Have fun!
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