10 Do’s and Don’ts of Art for Senior Living
Including Facts On:
1) The aging population 2) Senior living facilities 3) Health benefits of art
It’s no surprise that citizens are aging. Since the end of World War II, the term “Baby boomers” repeatedly appears in media and society, In 2011 this crowd began turning 65. The 65+ population has increased by 34.2% in the last decade, 13.8M people, and this is is rapid growth. It’s estimated that 7% of seniors need personal care, most turning to outside help. Senior living environments are homes, medical offices, family-visiting centers, and a workplace for millions of people.
Studies show the importance and healing power of art in design and healthcare. This article illustrates the benefits of art to the viewer in hopes to increase awareness and improve the health experience of a large and growing population.
Senior living facilities go hand-in-hand with aging; they provide help with day-to-day tasks, medical support, and community. Here are a few numbers from the National Center for Assisted Living and the CDC:
Many studies show art’s healing effects on humans, especially the elderly. With the known mental benefits of art, it’s important to strategize visuals alongside care.
Art awakens both sides of the brain, and stimulates the motor cortex without actual movement. This is an advancement in treating neurological conditions such as stroke and traumatic brain injury. (Study by Demarin, Bedeković, Puretić, & Pašić, 2016)
While using fMRI, a University of Toronto neuroscientist observed the brain while people viewed art. Along with the visual cortex being activated, the brain’s pleasure and reward area were flooded with serotonin, one of the happy chemicals.
From realistic portraits to abstract shapes, viewing art stimulates the brain and uses our innate knack for organizing patterns and making sense of forms.
Mirror neurons are cells in the brain that respond similarly when observing and performing an action; this leads to embodied cognition, which is the sense of entering the art's scene or into the artist’s shoes while viewing art. For example: looking at fields, causes the viewer to imagine walking through greenery; observing thick textural strokes, leads the viewer to picture the sweeping paintbrush.
Kaiser Permanente Lobby. Neighborhood scenes by local artist. Familiar and inviting the viewer into the landscape.
Our 100%-women-led, art-consulting company, Curate Art Group has placed 1000s of works and is a preferred vendor for healthcare facilities such as Kaiser Permanente, along with Marriott International, IHG, MGM Resorts International, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Federal Home Loan Bank, Starbucks and others. Using decades of industry knowledge, we compiled the following tips:
DON’T
Use clocks or imagery of empty benches and seating in artwork.This can remind residents of the passage of time and trigger feelings of loss and loneliness.
Use many mirrors: artwork is a positive distraction by leading the viewer to new thoughts, and mirrors do not have this effect.
Select blurry imagery or small patterns: some with poor eyesight may feel confused.
Showcase large abstract red images: in some cases this resembles blood and injury.
DO:
Plan way-finding. The patient can associate green trees with their doctor’s office in the east wing, blue waves with their room, and orange poppies with the social room. Way-finding can be achieved many ways: themes by floor, department, etc.
Consider coordinating color tone to the activity of the area, such as relaxing blues and tones to bedrooms and invigorating yellows, oranges, and bright colors to common areas.
Highlight images of nature that allow residents to imagine the outside world. Studies show images of nature decrease pain and lower diastolic blood pressure. Bring the outdoors in: some may not live outside of the facility again.
Analyze all areas that residents visit : corridors, restrooms, and doctor’s offices.
Incorporate the local area, mix of cultural backgrounds, and diverse artists. Not only does this benefit the residents, but also aids staff, visitors, and family members to feel connected to the physical space.
This is important as Americans are becoming more diverse. Census data shows the below increase in the last decade:
29% Asian
21% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
20% Hispanic
13% American Indian or Alaskan Native
12% Black or African American
4% White
Emphasize nostalgia and happy moments. Each piece should promote positivity.
Many factors are considered while selecting artwork, including personalization for the exact facility. While visuals are crucial, selecting the right materials and dimensions improve cost and longevity.
At Curate Art Group, art is our passion, and we welcome all questions and continued conversations. Based on your specific vision and needs, we provide free customized art packages and detailed cost analysis of options.
