The art of creating with clay causes your body and mind to synergize, which relaxes you completely. Pottery is a physical activity that strengthens your reflectiveness and rewards you with a useful product, aesthetically pleasing to the eyes. Many aging adults find it to be very satisfying. Below are some reasons why pottery is a good activity for aging adults.
Creative expression
Pottery provides an outlet for the expression of your creative abilities. Being able to create things grants both physical and mental benefits. The fact that pottery is made by hand makes it relaxing, and having something that is yours as a souvenir of your time spent at the wheel serves as a beautiful memento of your experience.
Reduces Stress
Touching clay brings you one step closer to nature. The feeling you get whenever you touch clay has a way of freeing explorative inhibitions. Your tactile sense is engaged when you spin clay and this can produce a kind of therapeutic feeling to the mind and body. This meditative state does a lot of good to your body. It can help you keep your blood pressure, respiration, cortisol levels and rioting nerves under check.
Double Checks Stress Related Pain
Aging adults with high stress levels often experience stiffening muscles, leading to pain which may manifest as aches in different parts of their bodies. Because of its extraordinary ability to reduce stress significantly, pottery acts as a natural painkiller to these kinds of pains. When working with clay, your muscles become more relaxed and less susceptible to aches or pains.
Increases Your Happiness
It is no secret that people are happier when they do things that they enjoy. Dopamine, a feel-good hormone, is released when you engage in activities that bring you joy. Healthy levels of dopamine are good for your brain activities and your mental health. Pottery can increase your dopamine levels, making you happier every day.
Improves Your Mental Health
As you create, you may reflect consciously or unconsciously on past situations that have resulted in an emotional frenzy. By allowing yourself to acknowledge and process those emotions, you allow yourself to achieve a healthy mental state.
Another way ceramic-making improves your mental health is by easing mental disorders. A common symptom of many mental disorders is an elevated cortisol level which contributes to feelings of anxiety and stress. As it reduces your stress levels, pottery gives your mind a chance to renew itself.
Combats Symptoms of Arthritis
Some symptoms of arthritis such as joint inflammation, stiffness, pain, and decreased range of motion can be combated with pottery. This is because pottery is a low impact activity that can easily exercise the hands. The routine of spinning clay works the joints, releases stiffness, improves dexterity and helps the arm regain a wide motion range.
Encourages Social Interaction
While ceramic-making affords you the opportunity to nurture yourself, it is also a great way to connect with others. Group activities are so important for aging adults as it gives them something to live for. A group pottery session can accommodate all personality types and people from all sorts of backgrounds, united in creativity. An independent living community also gives you opportunities to interact with others
