'Get creative and active' to boost wellbeing and feel good in later life

 A new report from Age UK outlines the importance for us all of participating in creative and cultural activities to maintain our wellbeing and feel good as we get older.  

Building on Age UK’s Index of Wellbeing in Later Life, which found that taking part in ‘creative activities’ such as the arts is closely linked to a strong sense of wellbeing in later life, Age UK delved further into what this really means for older people.

The research found that taking part in activities including dancing, playing a musical instrument, visiting museums, photography, singing and painting are unsurprisingly more prevalent among older people who are in good health, have access to transport, and friends to do things with. Factors such as heavy caring responsibilities, living in a rural area and being unwell make it harder to get out and about and try new things or to keep up activities that have previously been much enjoyed.

To combat these limiting factors Age UK is calling for organisations throughout the country to provide a wider variety of accessible creative activities for older people to get involved in. The possibilities range far and wide and the report contains examples of seated dance classes and art sessions in sheltered housing and care homes, demonstrating that reduced mobility and ill health need not necessarily put an end to an older person’s engagement. 

In addition, the research found that having only limited access to transport is one of the main barriers preventing older people from taking part in creative and cultural activities. Age UK is therefore recommending that local transport authorities, arts organisations and community bodies work together to make it easier for people to get to events and activities, and consider how they can reach out to more older people who may otherwise be left out, such as those who are resident in care homes.

Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK, said: 

 “Age UK’s research highlights the importance of staying in touch with the world around you in later life– whether this is through social, creative or physical activities, paid work, or by belonging to some form of club or community group. There are multiple benefits, including to our physical and mental health, and it really can make a big difference to how older people feel about themselves and their capacity to enjoy their later lives.

“This is why we are encouraging older people to see what activities are on offer locally and try out something new and hopefully fun. This can be a great opportunity to discover a fresh interest or hobby, meet likeminded people and make new friends.”

“The message to policymakers is that there are very tangible gains to older people’s health and wellbeing from taking part in local cultural and other activities, so rather than being seen as ‘nice to have’ they deserve both recognition and support in local and national public health strategies.”   

Notes to editors

• Age UK’s Creative and Cultural Wellbeing in Later life report can be viewed here: www.ageuk.org.uk/creativewellbeing
• Age UK’s ‘Wellbeing in Later Life’ Index is a summary measure of what makes up wellbeing in later life, using rigorous scientific and statistical methods - importantly, including talking to older people themselves.  It was developed with support from the University of Southampton using data from the Understanding Society survey, an initiative funded by the Economic and Social Research Council and various Government Departments, with scientific leadership by the Institute for Social and Economic Research, University of Essex, and survey delivery by NatCen Social Research and Kantar Public.
• The Summary Report can be viewed here: www.ageuk.org.uk/wellbeingresearch
• We work with our national partners, Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI and our local Age UK partners in England (together the Age UK Family). We also work internationally for people in later life as a member of the DEC and with our sister charity Help Age International.
• Age UK believes that everyone should have the opportunity to make the most of later life, whatever their circumstances.  We provide free information, advice and support to over six million people; commercial products and services to over one million customers; and research and campaign on the issues that matter to people in later life. Our work focuses on five key areas: money matters, health and well-being, home and care, work and training and leisure and lifestyle.