In the last decade, the internet and education came together to leave us with a more flexible, affordable, and refined way to learn art and craft skills from anywhere in the world, at any time.

As long as you have a will to learn, the art and craft world (or at least the virtual one!) is your oyster. 

It no longer matters who you are, what age you are, or whether you’re any good at art and craft. Consider all of them (and anything else for that matter!) irrelevant. Those prerequisites that would’ve once held you back from education are history. We’re in a digital age now, where online learning is available at your beck and call.

In this blog post, we’ll review the growing importance of online learning in the elderly community, the role an art class can play, and the benefits that seniors may attain from doing an online art and craft course. 

Why has online learning become so appealing?

The world wide web is a game-changer for older people. It has empowered them in ways we wouldn’t have imagined just a few decades ago. But, thanks to the internet, they can stay connected with loved ones, access all kinds of information at their leisure, and pursue fresh learning opportunities at will.

Online learning, in particular, is a unique opportunity. Nowadays, seniors can engage in more art and craft courses than ever. Whether it’s by a virtual art class or simply sharing one’s work with others, there is no doubt the internet has made art more accessible not just to the elderly community but to everyone in general.

While adapting to new technologies can be challenging, many seniors are willing to make an effort. Most importantly, they want to learn.

Art and craft courses have grown in popularity, especially since the coronavirus pandemic. At the height of the pandemic, many seniors turned to online learning. By interacting with others in virtual classrooms, they learned new skills and stayed connected in lockdown.

How do older adults benefit from online learning?

• Learn new skills: As we age, we often have more time. Learning a new skill or pursuing an art can be a great way to keep ourselves occupied. It offers us a sense of purpose and keeps our minds sharp and active, staving off age-related cognitive decline in the process.
• A better social life: Social interaction plays a big part in our well-being, especially as we grow older. Research has shown that doing art classes, or any form of art, can help us in this aspect. Taking classes, in particular, makes us more likely to interact with other people and feel less lonely.

• Maintain cognitive and mental health: Aside from giving us aesthetic pleasure, art can also play an essential role in our cognitive and mental health. According to various studies, participating in creative activities, especially those that are mentally stimulating or involve some physical activity, can help us with memory problems or dementia in our twilight years.
• Longer lifespans: Happiness and life satisfaction are two common factors for a longer lifespan. According to a recent study, older adults with higher levels of optimism have a better chance of living past the age of 85. Doing things you enjoy, such as art and craft or something else, may help cultivate such positive feelings. 
• Less likely to develop health problems: Art can also be therapeutic. It can allow us to express ourselves, cope with stress, and stay healthy as we age. Studies have suggested that those who take part in art classes, or some other creative outlet, are less likely to suffer health problems than those who don’t.  

Types of older adults who may benefit from an online art and craft course

• Seniors living with dementia: For older adults living with dementia, doing art can be a much-needed outlet for expression and creativity. It may help these people unlock long-lost memories and momentarily offer them clarity and the ability to function optimally.
• People with limited mobility: Many elderly people, particularly those living in care homes, have a loss of physical function. While this is not helpful for art, modern-day technology can offer a solution. After all, thanks to its constant advancement, we now have various tools, apps, and programs to aid our everyday tasks. We can use these same applications to help provide creative opportunities for those with limited mobility.
• People unacquainted with modern technology: By learning to use new software for their course, online art and craft classes can help the elderly adapt better to technology. This is a most valuable skill as they age. It can also bridge the gap between generations and allow them to stay connected with the world.

Are there any age constraints for anybody to learn art?

No, there are no age constraints for anybody to learn art and craft.

Age is no barrier to participating in an online art and craft course. Remember, art is for everyone! It doesn’t matter whether you’re young or old; art is always available at your doorstep. It can bring color and life into your world, as well as the chance to learn something new and connect with like-minded individuals.  

At HeyArt, we welcome all students

If you have an elderly relative or loved one in your life, consider delving into the world of art and craft through our courses on HeyArt.

You don’t need any skills or experience to take part. Instead, you’ll find support at our online educational platform, where we provide all course materials for beginners (and experts too!), making this journey one of a kind.

To check out the courses we do on HeyArt, please feel free to visit this link here.

HeyArt mission is to give you a little bit of focus and peace of mind every other day through Art & Craft learning online.
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