Aging is an inevitable part of life. Yet how we age can significantly impact our overall well-being. While traditional methods of maintaining health in later years often emphasize physical exercise and a balanced diet, an increasingly important factor is coming to light: creativity.

Engaging in creative activities not only enriches the mind but also fosters emotional, psychological, and even physical health, making it a cornerstone for healthy aging.

Research has shown that engaging in creative activities can stimulate brain function and improve mental health. Creativity stimulates the brain by challenging it to think in new and innovative ways, which can lead to the development of new neural pathways.

This is particularly important as we age, as it helps maintain cognitive functions and delays the onset of dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Here are some benefits to being creative.

Emotional and Psychological Benefits

Creativity is not just about cognitive stimulation. It also plays a vital role in emotional and psychological health. Engaging in creative activities provides an outlet for self-expression, which can be particularly beneficial for older adults who may feel isolated or disconnected.

Art therapy, for instance, has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety by allowing individuals to process their emotions and experiences through creative expression.

Moreover, creative activities can foster a sense of accomplishment and purpose. Completing a painting, writing a story, or even knitting a scarf can give a sense of achievement and boost self-esteem.

This is crucial for older adults, as maintaining a positive self-image can significantly impact overall well-being and quality of life.

Social Connections and Community Building

Participating in group activities, such as a painting class, a writing group, or a community theater can provide opportunities for social interaction and combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. These connections are vital for mental health and can provide a support network that enhances emotional well-being.

Creative communities often transcend age barriers, allowing older adults to interact with younger generations. This intergenerational interaction can be enriching for both parties, providing diverse perspectives and fostering mutual understanding and respect. Programs that bring together different age groups through creative activities have been shown to improve social cohesion and community spirit.

Physical Health Benefits

Engaging in creative activities often involves movement, whether it’s the fine motor skills used in painting and crafting or the physical activity involved in dance or theater. These activities can improve hand-eye coordination, dexterity, and even physical fitness.

Furthermore, the stress-reducing effects of creative activities can lead to lower blood pressure, improved immune function, and overall better physical health. Stress is a known contributor to various health problems, including heart disease and weakened immune response. Thus, creativity helps mitigate these risks and promotes a healthier aging process.

Here are some practical ways to incorporate creativity into daily life

Incorporating creativity into daily life does not require grand gestures or exceptional talent. It can be as simple as keeping a journal, doodling, gardening, or trying out a new recipe. The key is to find activities that are enjoyable and engaging. Here are some practical tips to integrate creativity into everyday routines:

Join a Class:

Many communities offer classes for seniors in various creative arts.

These classes can provide structure, social interaction, and a sense of accomplishment.

Create a Routine:

Dedicate a specific time each day or week to a creative activity. Consistency can help in developing a habit and ensuring regular engagement.

Explore New Hobbies:

Trying out new creative activities can be exciting and stimulating. Whether it’s learning to play a musical instrument, starting a blog, or experimenting with photography, the options are limitless.

Collaborate:

Working on a creative project with others can enhance the experience and provide additional motivation and inspiration.

Creativity holds immense potential as a key to healthy aging. It stimulates the mind, fosters emotional and psychological well-being, builds social connections, and can even have physical health benefits.

As we continue to explore the many facets of aging, it is clear that nurturing creativity can play a crucial role in ensuring a vibrant, healthy, and fulfilling life in our later years. Embracing creative activities not only enriches our present but also paves the way for a healthier, happier future.

So why not try to be creative. It can save your life and lift your mood as well as give your life purpose and meaning.

Irene Roth

I’m in the throes of a migraine today. But I decided to write anyway. There are such moments when my life becomes so difficult and I feel so alone.

I have difficulty focusing. My head hurts. My neck really aches and my head actually feels heavy. Not sure why? I don’t know enough about anatomy. But I do know that migraines have widespread pain, and there’s nothing we can do about that. It just is folks!

So how can I ensure that I can accept my predicament? Probably by not fighting it and accepting this as my reality. What we fight tends to grow. What’s more, we stress ourselves out just fighting what is. The more stress we feel, the more pain we feel. And we may even be bringing on a migraine attack by fighting it.

Also, by not fighting our migraine pain, we can become more resilient. People who live with migraines struggle with debilitating pain and symptoms, which can snap the joy right out of life. It’s very hard to live with migraines and still enjoy the day.

Here are a few positive traits of individuals living with migraines.

*1. We are resilient. Migraines are challenging and complex. We have to learn how to bounce back quickly, dogging triggers and attacks or recover from them. This is a fundamental part of coping with migraines.

*2. We have a lot of strength. We are able to say to tough out the nausea, vomiting and other debilitating symptoms and get back to your life as soon as you’re able. Migraine attacks are like battles. We fight through them to get to the other wide as best as we can so that we can get back to living our lives.

*3. We are empathic. Because we struggle with so much pain, we are able to empathize when others are struggling as well. Seeing and understanding another’s pain, struggles, and difficulties are innate abilities we pick up along the way.

*4. We appreciate others with sincerity and without the expectation of anything in return. We also truly appreciate life and the times when we’re not feeling migraine pain and all the secondary effects of it.

*5. We develop courage. Migraines knock us down more often than we’d like. Yet, we continue to have the courage to get backup and keep trying. This is because we face adversity often. This makes us stronger and more able to keep on living our best life.

By recognizing these amazing character traits that we develop over time, we can be proud of ourselves. And when we have hard days, and yes, there will be quite a few, we can rejoice that we aren’t our pain; instead, we’re resilient and strong.

Irene Roth

My absolute favourite physical activity is swimming. I used to swim competitively in elementary and high school. There was always something magical about gliding through the water, much like a fish.

But when I first developed chronic pain, swimming became a huge struggle for me. The cold of the water and the chlorinity bothered by leg and hugely exacerbated my pain levels. I would be able to spend a few minutes in the pool, then end up on the pool deck crying in pain.

So I quit swimming for awhile.

But I found that I really, really, really missed swimming. It was like a huge part of me was missing. So I began acclimatization training. I went to my aunt and uncle’s pool two or three times a week and gradually build up my tolerance. And trying some stronger pain meds helped too.

By the end of that summer, I was ready to try swimming in an indoor pool. Our local YMCA was perfect as it was warmer than other pools nearby and super quiet as there were fewer swimmers in the water. It took many, many months, but I went from spending 10 minutes in the water total with several breaks in between, to now being able to spend 45 minutes in the pool without taking a break. I started by swimming partial laps and now can swim over a kilometer.

Of course, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. I get on a good track, making regular progress, then bam! A flareup hits and I’m restarting at a third of what I could do. Because of my particular pain and functional conditions, it can sometimes take me a year or more to rebuild to where I was. Its incredibly, incredibly frustrating.

But, when I step back and look at the big picture, I can celebrate my accomplishments. I have come such a long way from not being able to tolerate being in the pool at all. And while I have faced many lengthy flareups, I have been able to overcome these. One small step at a time. They do add up eventually.

Swimming is both amazing exercise and works really well for my body. I really struggle to walk, but I can swim. Not as fast as I could before, but maybe some day. And its incredibly freeing as I feel normal in the water. I can leave my crutches or wheelchair on the deck and just swim. The buoyancy of the water lifts me up and my muscles for whatever reason (probably good muscle memory) do their magic and I can swim. Its so fun and I absolutely love it. 

Hi, I’m Emily Summerhayes, I’m thrilled to be a guest here! When I’m not crafting, sewing, or drawing, you are most likely to find me in the garden ripping out weeds. Or playing with my miniature goats Cinnamon and Sesame or cuddling my cats Thomas and Cleo and dog Diesel. I have CRPS, FND, and POTS, but still love to create, swim, volunteer with 4-H, and be outside.

Fibromyalgia robs us of so much!  It can leave us feeling helpless and foundationless.

But perhaps the real problem is in how we perceive our pain and situation? I have discovered that fighting what is can be very paralyzing.

In my own life, I’ve had to let go of fear, pretensions, comparing, overdoing, overthinking, overachieving, and overextending.

So much to let go of that I feel scared some days. I don’t feel like I’m the same person I once was. I feel like a fraction of myself.

And it does, don’t get me wrong. When we face our fibro, we have to make big changes in our lives. And this is all for the better good.

I discovered that having fibro signals a new season in our lives. And this new season need not cause us too much upheaval.

Perhaps if we look at having fibro as entering a new season in our lives. Perhaps we can see fibro as a new season to re-evaluate, release, slow down, pay attention to our bodies, desires, fears, and dreams, say no more often, declutter and reprioritize our lives, refocus, commit to ourselves, be self-nurturing, especially on those hard days, and practice self-compassion.

Perhaps we should cultivate solitude and feel perfectly fine spending the evening lying down and taking care of ourselves. Perhaps we can throw a warm blanket over our sore body and just rest or have a nap.

Or, perhaps we can make space for joy and well-being?  Perhaps we can try to laugh more, play more, and connect more?

However, we decide to redefine ourselves, may we do so with love and patience.

Irene Roth

Published on Unwritten May 7, 2024

Disability Doesn’t Vanish, So Neither Should Our Services  (readunwritten.com)

I live with multiple disabilities, including Cerebral Palsy. As a result, I went through my school years with the support of physical and occupational therapy. However, as my senior year ended, I faced the harsh reality that these vital services would soon disappear. And that shouldn’t be the case for anyone with a disability.

For those of us with disabilities, aging brings lots of changes. Yet, there’s a startling lack of research and understanding about the intersection of disability and aging and its profound impact on our lives. Recently, I stumbled upon a poignant Instagram post by Mary Fashik, a passionate advocate, echoing this sentiment.

Imagine if our support systems could and would easily transition with us as we graduated from the school system. 

Our quality of life would improve as our bodies receive the ongoing care they need. I reflect on how invaluable this is for all people living with disabilities. It would also have been so beneficial for me and my life right now. 

A few years back, I went to a concert in NYC with a best friend, relishing the excitement of the moment. Little did I know that the aftermath would confine me to the couch for nearly two months, grappling with excruciating tightness and spasticity. This was uncharted territory for me, a stark reminder of the challenges that come with aging with a disability.

Spasticity, a common symptom of Cerebral Palsy, stems from damage to the brain’s control over muscle tone and movement. While children with CP may not initially exhibit spasticity symptoms, they often intensify with age. My own experience serves as a testament to this reality. 

The non-existence of ongoing physical therapy exacerbates these challenges. 

I often wonder how different my life would be if I had access to the support I needed as I transitioned into adulthood. Society must acknowledge that children with disabilities grow into adults who continue to require support, perhaps even more so than before.

It is so essential that there is a collective shift in perspective. It’s time for the medical community, caregivers, and society at large to recognize that the needs of individuals with disabilities don’t vanish with childhood. We matter, and it’s high time our voices are heard. We would listen and hear what you need if the roles were reversed. It is time for society to do the same, no matter how uncomfortable it may be. 

All we want to do is live our best lives like everyone else, able-bodied or not.

Hi everyone My name is Larissa I am a person with a disability I have CP an am an amputee but I don’t let any of that define me and what I am able to do an accomplish due to my disability I’m a writer activist of many things and All and all Just a lover of life. To learn more about Larissa, please follow here blog at this link: larissa-martin

The best piece of advice I was every given was to do something fun everyday.

It can be really hard to follow that advice when you’re dealing with chronic pain. Appointments can take over your life leaving you very little down time. Awful flareups of symptoms can last days, weeks, months, making it very hard to cope. Or you just feel down much or all of the time.

But that’s also why its so important to be very, very intentional about finding something fun or enjoyable to do every day. And it can be anything that brings you joy- colouring, listening to a podcast, watching the next episode of the series you’re binge watching, baking, spending time with your pets, going for a walk.

For me, I have different types of activities I do depending on how I’m feeling that day. Some days, listening to podcasts is the extent of my energy level. Finding ones that are funny and uplifting helps me as I need a good laugh on a rough day. It also helps to immerse myself in a good story so I can temporarily forget what I’m struggling with. Or doodling in my sketchbook is something low-energy that I can do from the comfort of my bed or couch.

And, of course, my cats, Thomas and Cleo, are always ready for a good cuddle session. They jump into my lap as soon as I sit down on the couch, demanding to be petted. Spending time with them brings me a ton of joy and is very relaxing. And I find their presence comforting.

Other days, I can do more active things. I love gardening and just being outside fills my soul. Watching to see what new flowers are in bloom today really brightens my day. As does picking flowers from my garden to enjoy inside.

And I’ve also found that volunteering also brings me a lot of joy. Spending time helping others helps me too. It helps me be part of something bigger than myself and to connect with others in a meaningful way. It gets me out of my head and lets me focus on others. I appreciate that there are lots of ways to volunteer, including online options that I can do at my own pace when I’m feeling up to it.

As much as life with chronic pain is a struggle, there is still joy and goodness in life. You just have to be very intentional about finding it.  

Hi, I’m Emily Summerhayes, I’m thrilled to be a guest here! When I’m not crafting, sewing, or drawing, you are most likely to find me in the garden ripping out weeds. Or playing with my miniature goats Cinnamon and Sesame or cuddling my cats Thomas and Cleo and dog Diesel. I have CRPS, FND, and POTS, but still love to create, swim, volunteer with 4-H, and be outside.

Chronically ill individuals should learn to recognize some of the early warning signs of stress or symptom exacerbation so that they don’t suffer unduly.

Some of the early indicators of stress are increased pain, fatigue, irritability, and increased muscle tension. Some may even have stomach pain or a feeling of hunger even after they’ve eaten.

To mitigate these triggers, we must manage our stress levels and pace ourselves.

Monitoring stress indicators can be crucial for managing chronic illness effectively.

Here are ten ways individuals can monitor their stress indicators:

Keep a Symptom Journal:

Maintain a daily journal to record symptoms experienced along with stress levels. Note any triggers or patterns that emerge.

Use Wearable Devices:

Wearable fitness trackers or smartwatches can monitor physiological parameters like heart rate variability (HRV), which can indicate stress levels.

Practice Mindfulness and Meditation:

Engage in mindfulness or meditation practices to develop awareness of stress signals in the body. Regular practice can help recognize stress indicators more effectively.

Utilize Stress Tracking Apps:

Several mobile apps are available to track stress levels, mood changes, and related symptoms. These apps often use self-reporting and sometimes integrate with wearable devices for more comprehensive monitoring.

Measure Breathing Patterns:

Deep, slow breathing is associated with relaxation, while shallow, rapid breathing may indicate stress. Monitoring breathing patterns throughout the day can provide insights into stress levels.

Assess Sleep Quality:

Poor sleep quality often accompanies increased stress. Monitoring sleep patterns and quality using sleep tracking devices or apps can help identify correlations between stress and sleep disturbances.

Track Physical Symptoms:

Chronic illness can manifest physical symptoms that worsen under stress. Keeping track of changes in pain levels, fatigue, gastrointestinal symptoms, or other physical manifestations can indicate heightened stress.

Monitor Activity Levels:

Physical activity can both alleviate and be affected by stress. Monitoring activity levels, such as steps taken per day or time spent exercising, can provide insights into how stress impacts daily routines.

Use Biofeedback Devices:

Biofeedback devices measure physiological responses to stress, such as skin conductance, muscle tension, or temperature. These devices can provide real-time feedback on stress levels and help individuals learn to manage stress responses.

Seek Professional Guidance:

Consulting healthcare providers, therapists, or counselors experienced in managing chronic illness and stress can provide personalized strategies for monitoring and coping with stress indicators effectively.

By employing these monitoring techniques, individuals with chronic illness can gain better insight into their stress levels and take proactive steps to manage their health more effectively.

It’s important for the chronically ill to connect with others facing similar challenges through online forums, social media groups, or virtual support networks to share experiences, tips, and encouragement.

Since the pandemic, we’ve developed a lot of unique ways to get together online via zoom or Facebook messenger. That way, we can stay in touch with others and still stay in the comforts of our home.

This is good news for the chronically ill who especially struggle with pain and fatigue. Any outing can take so much time, energy, and can increase our pain levels as well. Therefore, forming or joining online communities can be a godsend for us.

There are a lot of online support groups, from those with the arthritis society, fibromyalgia support network and much more. There is also a migraine support network which has workshops and support groups for every type of need.

Here are some ways to join and maintain social connections online.

Join Condition-Specific Online Communities:

Seek out forums or social media groups that cater specifically to individuals with the same chronic illness. These communities provide a safe space to share experiences, ask questions, and offer support.

Participate in Virtual Support Groups:

Many organizations host virtual support groups via video conferencing platforms like Zoom or through dedicated forums. These groups offer a chance to connect with others facing similar challenges and share coping strategies.

Engage in Social Media Platforms:

Utilize platforms like Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook to connect with others who have similar health conditions. Follow relevant hashtags and join conversations to build relationships and exchange support.

Attend Webinars and Online Events:

Look for webinars, workshops, and online events related to chronic illness management. These platforms not only provide valuable information but also offer opportunities to interact with experts and fellow participants.

Start a Blog or Vlog:

Share your journey with chronic illness through blogging or vlogging. By documenting your experiences, you can connect with others facing similar challenges and foster a sense of community.

Utilize Telehealth Services:

Take advantage of telehealth services for virtual appointments with healthcare professionals. These interactions can provide not only medical support but also opportunities for social connection and emotional support.

Join Online Fitness or Wellness Classes:

Participate in online fitness or wellness classes tailored to individuals with chronic illnesses. These classes not only promote physical health but also provide a sense of community and camaraderie.

Play Online Games with Friends:

Engage in multiplayer online games with friends or acquaintances. Gaming platforms offer opportunities for social interaction and can serve as a fun and engaging way to connect with others.

Volunteer for Online Support Organizations:

Consider volunteering for online support organizations dedicated to chronic illness advocacy and support. Contributing your time and expertise can help you connect with others while making a positive impact within the community.

Organize Virtual Meetups or Hangouts:

Take the initiative to organize virtual meetups or hangouts with friends, family, or fellow members of online communities. Whether it’s a casual chat or a structured activity, these gatherings can strengthen social connections and provide much-needed support.

By taking these steps, you’ll be setting up and maintaining online support groups. This will help you to commiserate with people who are struggling like you are on a daily basis. This can help us to feel less alone and much more connected, even when we’re in pain and tired. It’s such a blessing!

“To Nap or Not to Nap, that is the question.

Whether ‘tis nobler to give into the urge and nap.

Or better to resist and hold out.

Trying desperately to stay awake and function despite the fatigue.”

~Misquote of Shakespeare’s Hamlet

I really struggle with fatigue. It doesn’t seem to matter how long or how well I sleep, I’m still exhausted. Its really frustrating trying to function when I’m so tired all the time. I hate trying to do cognitively demanding tasks like simple math problems as my brain just blanks. I know what I’m doing should be easier than this, but my brain’s just so tired it doesn’t want to cooperate.

I’ve heard a lot of debate over whether its okay to nap or not. I get that napping undermines the sleep pressure your body builds up over the day so you theoretically can be very tired by bedtime and go to sleep. And that napping regularly is poor sleep hygiene and a habit that is very hard to break once you start.

But then there are days when I’m so tired I just can’t function. I try to tough it out, but my body just can’t do it. I also tend to get really, really irritable, to the point where everything annoys me and I just can’t cope. Or the pains so high that I can’t handle it.

In these cases, I’ve learned to be gracious to myself. Yes, napping every day is not ideal and not something that I want to be doing. But then there are days when I need a nap to get back on top of my pain and symptoms. Going back to bed in the morning, or taking a nap in the afternoon allows me to do what I need to do. As long as it is (ideally) not an everyday thing, I’ve learned to accept that this is what I need sometimes. Or if I have a nap before a big event, then that allows me to go and have fun without being so exhausted that I can’t participate as I want to.

I try to keep these naps shortish. I was told at one pain clinic that taking 45-minute naps doesn’t disrupt your sleep schedule and circadian rhythm, which is nice, but some days I need more sleep than that. I’ve also found that crashing on the couch for a half hour or an hour with a good podcast is a good way to let my body rest and recharge without actually napping.

But hey, I totally get it if you nap regularly, no judgement. That’s just not what I’ve found works best for me.

Hi, I’m Emily Summerhayes, I’m thrilled to be a guest here! When I’m not crafting, sewing, or drawing, you are most likely to find me in the garden ripping out weeds. Or playing with my miniature goats Cinnamon and Sesame or cuddling my cats Thomas and Cleo and dog Diesel. I have CRPS, FND, and POTS, but still love to create, swim, volunteer with 4-H, and be outside.