Positive communication is vital for understanding people such as older persons or a loved one to better adapt to the physical and psychological effects of aging.

It’s no secret that older adults can be challenging to understand. As part of the aging process, they may communicate differently than we do and become onerous to read on an emotional level, causing them to feel confused, agitated, and isolated in their time of need.

We at HeyArt, however, believe art can be a great solution to not just understanding people but to this problem. More now than ever. Not only can this activity provide seniors with a creative outlet to express themselves, but it can also help them escape their clouded thoughts and feel more valuable, dignified, and happier in the twilight phase of their lives.

In this blog post, we’ll review the importance of communication for the elderly, understanding people, ways in which we can bridge the gap between ourselves and the elderly, and how art has a role to play in all of it.

How does a lack of proper communication affect older adults?

The aging process can invoke a set of health problems that significantly affect our verbal and non-verbal abilities, causing a gradual decline in our communication skills. This introduces a whole new set of circumstances for the elderly in understanding people. From being used to conveying their thoughts and feelings in a specific manner throughout their lives, they must now find another way to interact.

Some handle the process well, while other less-fortunate souls struggle due to illness, body impairments, or other age-related causes.

Studies have noted that seniors with communication disabilities suffer from loneliness and isolation; this ultimately affects their level of understanding people. They form a diverse group, where the burden of their disability increases over time. It can impact their access to proper healthcare, level of social interaction, and relationships with family or loved ones. 

Key signs to note when communicating with the elderly

Communication is a two-way street. It needs to be reciprocated on both sides, or the risk of miscommunication arises. In this case, the elderly can sometimes be challenging for us to understand. However, if we fail to notice the tell-tale signs, it can often be the other way around.

Some key signs we should all take note of in understanding people, especially seniors better are by observing the following:

• Their facial expressions.
• Body language.
• The tone of voice.
• The context of our conversations.

An inability to hear well, understand, recall memories, and speak properly are some of the core reasons many older adults communicate differently to other people in society. 

These factors can cause them to become more easily confused and, therefore, struggle to follow conversations.

As a result, the elderly might use different words or expressions and speak more slowly in conversations. Some language skills do remain intact, while others fade over time. They may also have trouble getting their point across. 

General tips for face-to-face communication with older adults

These tips will not only help in understanding people but older adults especially.

• Understand the person’s strengths and weaknesses.
• Avoid using any complicated language. Speak slowly, calmly, and straightforwardly to help seniors better understand you.
• Speak in a communication-friendly environment, preferably in a well-lit room with minimal background noise.
• Ensure that any sensory aids (hearing aids, glasses, etc.) are available.
• Use visual aids (pictures, diagrams, etc.) to help clarify your meaning.
• Ask them open-ended questions like how was your weekend? What was the best part of your day? Or how have you been?

Art facilitates communication and makes older people happy.

Whether drawing, painting, or something else, art can be a much-needed outlet of self-expression for older people. They can use it as a forum to express themselves, unlock their innermost thoughts, and reveal their feelings in a safe environment.

Art stimulates the mind and body. By taking up the activity, the elderly have much to gain and nothing to lose. Various studies have noted how it can lead to a more physically active lifestyle for seniors, as well as a reduction in mental illness and psychological distress.

In terms of communication, art helps the elderly form a connection with their peers or those dearest to them. It grants an opportunity to understand and feel more connected with each other; thus opening up a happier and more fulfilling life for everyone involved.

What can we do to encourage the elderly to take part in art?

• Find a topic of interest: Pick an activity that would be of interest and perhaps consider joining in as well.
• Highlight the social benefits: Encourage them to sign up for an art class for seniors or something similar by pointing out how it can lead to a better social life with new friends in town.
• Take day trips: You could take an elderly relative out for a walk to see any local art museums or galleries. It could help them appreciate art and perhaps convince them to take a class.
• Start a project: Sometimes, it’s best to get the ball rolling by taking the initiative. You could help an elderly relative or loved one get into the swing of it by helping create an art project. Once everything is in order, it may encourage them to keep going with it. 

Ready to give art a go?

Consider delving into the art world if you have an elderly relative or loved one. It may just make all the difference for both of you.

It doesn’t matter whether your work is wrong or you can’t draw; art is for everybody. The rest is irrelevant as long as you find peace and joy in doing it. You only need the will to start, and HeyArt can help you with the rest.

Our mission is simple. It’s giving you, or an elderly loved one, a little focus and peace of mind. We provide all the course learning materials through an online educational platform. It’s designed to connect and support seniors as they embark on a one-of-a-kind creative journey.
To check out the types of 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.
Follow our Facebook group, Twitter account, Youtube channel.
To support our Elderly cause, safely Donate here.