Nā Kūpuna & the Arts
contributed by Kim Dupree
The Lāna‘i Senior Center is a happening place for art nowadays. Since last year, Kapua Weinhouse, dedicating time away from her 2.2-acre farm, has been imparting the joy of various art forms to our Nā Kūpuna. Kapua shares, “Seniors complete projects that not only bring joy to our nā kūpuna that participate, but also builds confidence, exercises fine motor skills and strengthens camaraderie between our nā kūpuna who attend the Senior Center.”
Kapua occasionally collaborates with the Lāna‘i Art Center (LAC) for “supplies, equipment, and as a place to showcase completed projects.” She recounts a memorable interaction, a conversation between a kupuna and her grandchild about “gramma’s painting.” It was a priceless moment that would not have happened without LAC’s participation in exhibiting the artwork.
Kris Kahihikolo, Program Coordinator for the Lāna‘i Senior Center, remarks, “Art stimulates our older generations’ social, emotional, physical and spiritual well-being, and enhances and builds new skills and opportunities to make the retirement years the best years.”
Contrary to the notion that painting and drawing are mere hobbies, research indicates their substantial benefits for seniors’ physical and mental health. Art, as a form of therapy, is beneficial across all ages but particularly so for seniors, aiding in regaining normalcy in their lives.
Some benefits are:
Improved cognitive function: Challenging seniors to create art sharpens their senses and enhances neural connections, which is potentially lost with age.
Improved mood: Art helps in reducing anxiety, depression and stress. Studies have found that seniors engaged in creative arts report lower levels of depression and loneliness, showing a more positive overall mood.
Enhanced motor skills: Practicing painting and drawing exercises hands and arms, improving coordination, enhancing blood flow and building dexterity.
Increased social interaction: Art classes provide a platform for seniors to meet, interact and bond, helping to alleviate loneliness and enhance emotional well-being.
Greater self-expression: Art offers a medium for seniors to express thoughts and emotions, particularly when verbal communication may be challenging. It also aids in processing grief or health issues, potentially uncovering hidden passions.
New thought processes: Art encourages engaging different parts of the brain and body, helping seniors to reframe their perspectives and find new joys.
Improved memory: Creative arts can assist seniors with memory loss, helping to revive memories of loved ones and past experiences.
Pain relief: Art therapy has been found to help manage chronic pain, allowing individuals to focus more on creativity and less on their pain.
Art proves immensely rewarding for seniors, fostering positive emotions, enhancing physical abilities and offering therapeutic benefits. The creative journey at the Lāna‘i Senior Center enhances the quality of life for our kūpuna, making it worthwhile to encourage their participation in the arts.