There’s no doubt that making a move to a Burghley Retirement Living apartment gives you a new lease on life. Without the responsibility and stress of home maintenance, you’ll be able to find more time for an active social life. Of course, rest and relaxation are both important aspects of retirement, but maintaining a sense of purpose and fulfilment is equally essential for overall well-being. One avenue through which you can find these qualities and more, is by embracing creativity in retirement.
Artistic endeavours and exploring expressive, new hobbies or creative pursuits can unlock endless possibilities. In this blog, we’ll delve into the importance of creativity for retirees and share some ideas on activities that may help you to embrace creativity in later life.
THE BENEFITS OF CREATIVITY FOR RETIREES
Embracing creativity in retirement and engaging in creative activities stimulates and keeps the brain sharp and agile, which is a critical aspect of healthy ageing. Whether it’s painting, writing, playing music, or crafting, creative pursuits challenge the mind and encourage imagination and innovation. There is some evidence to suggest that creative activities can also stave off cognitive decline that naturally comes with getting older.
Creativity can give you purpose and fulfilment – there’s nothing like the sense of accomplishment that comes with creating a piece of original art, writing a poem or script, composing a song, or crafting a design. It is a powerful tool for emotional expression, opening the door to self-awareness and allowing emotions to be processed.
People often find solace in creativity when they feel lonely or unsettled by their situation or state of mind. Yet there’s nothing to say that creativity should be a solitary pursuit. Joining a writing group, attending art classes, or participating in community theatre productions can lead to a supportive network of like-minded friends.
Here are just some of the creative pursuits you could try your hand at in retirement.
ART CLASSES
There’s something about the creative process that not only helps to de-stress and clear the mind but also instils a sense of pride and satisfaction in the final achievement.
Not limited to painting and drawing, artistic expression can be realised through mediums such as printmaking workshops, sculpture, pottery, floristry, and modelling. The best thing is that you will be able to take your creation home and enjoy it for weeks, months, or even years to come. A constant reminder that you have the power to create and the courage to try something new at any stage of life.
DIGITAL WORKSHOPS
Open your mind and explore the realms of creativity using the latest technology. Companies up and down the country hold digital workshops on anything from creative coding to compiling your own stop-motion animations. And the best bit? They are often free!
CREATIVE WRITING
From poetry to short stories and full-blown novels, writing can be a true expression of your inner artist. The benefits of creative writing in retirement are multifaceted for you as a creative. The real magic of taking up writing in later life is that your work will be infused with a lifetime of experience and interactions, giving you a clear advantage over your youthful counterparts. There are a range of options to help you get started including regular poetry groups, short courses, and online resources.
If a newfound writing career feels out of reach, then start reading first – choose a range of genres and subjects. You could even join a book club to help broaden your literary selections, fire up your analytical skills and widen your social circle.
To help you start your journey as an author, we have further advice here.
COOKERY OR BAKING
You may have spent a lifetime cooking meals for your family but now you have time to hone your skills and broaden your culinary skillset. Cookery classes come in a range of forms from baking and learning the tastes of a specific country, to those held within Michelin Star kitchens. You can even have a chef instructor visit your own home or retirement community – speak to your property manager if this is something that interests you.
Why not try something new or out of your comfort zone – the art of the chocolatier, working with vegan/vegetarian ingredients, flavours of Asia, classic French cuisine or fish, meat, and BBQ techniques – the avenues are endless with a myriad of new skills and flavour combinations to acquire along the way.
MUSIC
Whether it’s a haunting melody on a wind instrument like the flute, a rousing brass band chorus or an energetic bass guitar or drum solo, learning to play an instrument can open the door to a new world of friendship, freedom of expression and the joy of performance. The pleasure of music is that there are so many options, so it’s always possible to find something that fits. Don’t feel that you are limited to playing an instrument either when singing, music production, or even orchestral conducting, could be more suitable.
It is never too late to learn a new skill. Embracing creativity in retirement comes with the gift of time that retirement grants, so here is some creative inspiration near to our luxury retirement properties.
CREATIVE CLASSES IN DERBY
What better setting to flex your artistic muscles in than a beautiful green parkland? Art in the Park has adult classes each week for all levels and abilities.
CREATIVE CLASSES NEAR SHIPLEY
Embroidery, crochet, pottery, dressmaking, the possibilities are endless at Hive, Bradford which hosts a range of creative workshops and drop-in sessions for adults.
CREATIVE ACTIVITIES NEAR BRIGHOUSE
If you can hold a tune, then a fabulous choral ensemble is just a ten-minute drive from our luxury retirement property in Brighouse. Marsh Ladies Choir practises on Thursdays at Lindley Methodist Church in Huddersfield and is always open to new members.
CREATIVE ACTIVITIES NEAR THORNTON-CLEVELEYS
Love to cook? Why not get a group of friends together and book a personalised cooking course with professional chefs imparting a range of techniques? You could even do this in the communal areas of our luxury retirement apartments as a fantastic way to get to know your new neighbours.
In conclusion, retirement can give you the time to explore, discover and follow a path of lifelong learning. Embracing creativity in retirement offers endless opportunities for personal growth and self-improvement.
Each of our luxury retirement developments offers a communal lounge where activities can be held. Lodge managers work with our owners to compile a diverse and enjoyable range of social events. The ideal opportunity to try your hand at a creative pursuit with your friends and neighbours, and without having to leave home!
So, whether learning new artistic techniques, experimenting with different mediums, or exploring untapped talents and interests, by embracing creativity in retirement you can unlock your full potential and embrace the endless possibilities that retirement has to offer.
To find out more about luxury retirement living in Shipley, Derby, Thornton-Cleveleys, and Brighouse, visit https://burghleyretirement.co.uk/locations/ to download a brochure or call 0800 999 1989 to arrange a personal tour.
