HOW CREATIVITY SUPPORTS CONFIDENCE, CONNECTION AND CURIOSITY, NO MATTER YOUR AGE
As we grow older, life can become increasingly isolating – especially when facing age-related challenges, loss of a loved one or the impact of illness. Creative expression offers something powerful: a way to connect, to be seen, and to rediscover parts of ourselves that we may have lost.
Through art:links, Create’s creative arts programme for vulnerable older adults, participants are offered the chance to explore different artforms, develop skills and enjoy meaningful moments of connection. We spoke with three participants based in London – Areesha, Marie-Louise and Vivienne – who shared what creativity has meant to them.
ENCOURAGING CURIOSITY AND JOY THROUGH CREATIVITY
Areesha (60+), who took part in drama workshops in Westminster, found herself energised by learning something new each week:
“I’m really happy because each week was a little bit different. I never thought of acting with a mask on, and it was something new to learn.”
“Taking part did impact me. It made me cheerful and brought a liveliness and silliness, which I like to have. By being creative you learn something and at the same time your brain works and you gain knowledge.”
Areesha – art:links participant
For Areesha, the creative process wasn’t just about performance – it was about discovery:
“This project opened up my curiosity, it’s a different avenue and you learn something about how you are as a person. It’s a beautiful thing.”
CREATIVITY FOR CONFIDENCE
Marie-Louise (93), a sculptor and painter from Haringey, was delighted to find space where the joy of creating mattered more than the final product:
“It’s very valuable because it keeps my brain stimulated, which is very important”
“I’ve learnt that I don’t have to worry too much about what I’m producing. I’m surprising myself, really.”
Marie-Louise also found inspiration in watching others thrive in the workshops:
“Look at [fellow participant G__] who has disabilities. He really loves it and it brings out good stuff from him.”
CREATIVITY TO SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH AND CONNECTION
In Southwark, Vivienne (63) had been mostly housebound since developing an illness in 2016. Joining art:links brought a welcome change of pace, one filled with colour, creativity and connection:
“[We’ve been doing] some collages and just generally using colour to brighten up the picture. I made a small little bird, so I’m looking forward to finishing that.”
For Vivienne, the impact was about more than art – it was about finding her place in a community again:
“[I’ve enjoyed] doing art, which I love, and the fact that I’m part of a group and everyone’s very friendly and talkative – I’ve just enjoyed the company. I feel connected to the people I’ve mixed with in this room.”
vivienne – art:links participant
“It’s important for me [to feel connected to others] because I’ve been out of action since 2016 so now I feel part of something again.”
Vivienne also spoke about the therapeutic impact of creativity:
“Creativity gets out of you how you’re feeling, and you can put it into colour. I suffer with my mental health, so this has calmed me down a bit. That’s very important to me.”
A SPACE TO GROW AT ANY AGE
Each of these stories is unique, but they share something powerful: creativity as a tool for resilience, confidence and connection. Whether through painting, drama, or collage, the creative arts can provide joy, calm and a renewed sense of purpose. art:links is proof that it’s never too late to be creative – and never too late to feel the difference it makes.
Thank you to our funders: The Charity of Sir Richard Whittington [via The Mercers’ Company], City Bridge Foundation, Hyde Park Place Estates Charitable Trust and Westminster Almshouses Foundation.