Skip to content 
One of the greatest gifts post-retirement is time; time to rediscover creative passions that bring you joy.
No matter what kind of creative pursuit you take on, a growing body of research shows that creativity can sharpen the mind and uplift the spirit.
In fact, older adults who regularly engage in creative hobbies report being more satisfied with life, finds the U.S. News & World Report article, “Your Hobby May be the Secret to a Happier, Healthier Life.”
The article shares that researchers have assembled a “mountain of evidence” showing a link between hobbies and well-being.
One major study from the Survey of Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), covering over 19,000 older adults across 15 countries, found that retirees who read and join clubs score higher in happiness and life satisfaction than those who do not.
A University of Texas at Dallas’ Center for Vital Longevity study discovered that retirees who took a 14-week class in quilting or photography improved working memory and attention. Brain scans revealed some areas of the brain had been “restored to more youth-like states,” the article noted.
And scientists at University College in London learned that attending a museum, theater or art gallery just once a year helps protect memory for the next decade.
Art That Heals
Healing also happens when you take on creative passions, such as painting or playing music.
Painting encourages mindfulness and helps reduce stress by focusing the mind on color, texture and form. Art therapy professionals call this the “flow state,” a soothing mental zone where time seems to disappear and worries fade away.
Music works similar magic. When you sing or play an instrument, your body releases dopamine, which boosts mood and memory. A University of Oxford study even found that people who sing in a choir together form friendships faster. Because their breathing synchronizes as they sing, it triggers the release of oxytocin, a hormone that builds trust and connection.
Movement through dance and yoga promotes heart health and stimulates creativity. As a bonus, these activities also improve your balance, coordination and flexibility.
Making art, whether through music, art or dance, also reduces your risk of cognitive diseases like dementia, heart disease and stroke while improving resilience and lowering stress. And creating something tangible, like a quilt, a photograph or writing a song, brings a sense of pride and purpose.
We Help You Thrive
Capri Communities makes igniting your creative spark easy.
We design every community with creativity in mind. Indoor spaces host art, exercise and social gatherings, while outdoor areas provide inspiring backdrops for painting, writing or simply soaking in nature.
You can come with us to galleries, theaters and cultural events, and experience art outside of the neighborhood. Or you can stick to what’s available within your Capri Community.
Every Capri Community offers a full roster of art classes, clubs and more that you can do right on site. And because you do these things with your neighbors, you build friendships and community too!
Check out the calendar at your Capri Community. Chances are, there is a creative pursuit meant for you.
Keep Your Spark Shining
Whether you’re sketching a sunset, tackling a cross-stitch or belting out your favorite tune in the community choir, every creative moment is a gift to yourself. These little sparks of creativity boost your body, brighten your mind and lift your spirit. Life is richer when it’s filled with imagination, so grab that paintbrush, pick up that instrument or start that project you’ve been dreaming about. Your next