CREATIVITY

By Dr. Marion Somers, Ph. D., Ask Dr. Marion

QUESTION: I'm the primary caregiver for my 82 year-old mother, and she has been having a difficult time of it lately. Do you have any fun, "outside the box" suggestions for improving her quality of life? Marcia in New Jersey, 55

ANSWER: Creativity works wonders for the elderly. Whether it's singing, painting, playing an instrument, dancing, or writing poetry or a journal, creativity keeps a person in the here and now. I had one client, a real street-tough guy, who started writing the tenderest poetry at the age of 89. He entered a contest for poets over 75, and darn it if he didn't win. His poetry changed the way he looked at the world ? and himself, and it did wonders for his mental outlook and energy level. Getting in touch with her creative self will allow your mother to stay connected to the wonders of life. She might even draw on creative impulses and abilities she never knew she had, or never had the time to nurture.

Creativity will also help tap into your mother's long term memory. Ask her about her favorite music. I always try to find songs from the era when my clients were 15 to 30 years old. I'll sing their favorite songs, and even pass around sheet music so other family members can sing along. You can also use music as a way to introduce dancing so your mother gets some exercise. My clients often dig their heels in about exercise, but they usually love to dance. The creative juices flow more freely when a person is moving their body.

If your mother is confined to the house, bring creativity to her. If she can't write any longer, have her speak her stories into a tape recorder. If she likes to draw, make sure that paint, pencils, markers, crayons, and pens are available. Also, be sure to accommodate the little things, like having enough light or providing a left-handed person with left-handed scissors. Many of my clients enjoy making collages out of old photos. We also make a family tree. The key is to have fun with it. Creative pursuits will give your mother something to look forward to and talk about. She might even better understand herself and discover a new talent after all these years. I guarantee she'll be in better spirits, enjoy improved mental acuity, a better appetite, and be more social.