We often think of creativity as a trait someone is born with. Something you either have or don’t. But that could not be further from the truth. Creativity is like a muscle. It needs to be worked, flexed, stretched, and fueled.
Creativity is fun — and good for you, too. Research shows that routinely participating in the arts and creativity leads to healthier aging. So whether you want to sing, dance, act, draw, tell stories, or something else entirely, you can reduce doctor visits, medications, and feelings of isolation or loneliness.
But creativity isn’t just related to art. It’s a mindset or a way of thinking. Creativity can also mean having the ability to make unexpected connections. To see common things in a new way. Or to see unusual things that others don’t and recognize their importance. Creativity is about finding new solutions to problems and being resourceful when making everyday decisions.
Don’t let aging slow you down or stop you from learning a new form of creativity. A lifelong embroiderer, Grandma Moses developed arthritis that made needlework difficult and painful. She could have given up and stopped flexing her creative muscle. Instead, at age 75, Grandma Moses put down the needle, took up art, and became a renowned American folk artist.
Engage in life: It’s never too late to try something new. Like Grandma Moses, sometimes blazing new trails happen later in life due to circumstances you can or can’t control.
Kickstart Your Creativity
Want to become more creative, but don’t know where to start? Here are a few ideas to help kickstart your creativity:
- Change up a routine
- Do a DIY (do it yourself) project
- Travel or explore new things (locally or globally)
- Learn a new language
- Start a journal or just write down ideas and thoughts
- Take a course (e.g., creative writing)
- Read different perspectives about topics that are interesting to you
- When faced with change, embrace it and identify the positives
- Listen to a podcast or audio book
- Brainstorm new ideas or solutions to common problems
- Ask yourself, “what’s next?”
Do arts and culture events spark your creativity? Check out York365.com, an arts and entertainment resource by the Cultural Alliance of York County.
TroveStreet is Here to Help
If you haven’t already, create an online profile with TroveStreet where you can jot down things you want to keep handy based on what you read or save this article for easy access. TroveStreet offers a Quick-Start Planning Tool with four questions to facilitate your planning. If you have questions or want to connect with a Planning Navigator, call TroveStreet at 717-363-1129.
