A Psychosocial Touch on Elderly Individuals: Art Therapy

Abstract

Aging is a natural and inevitable process of change experienced by every living being. Old age can be defined as the irreversible loss of biological and mental functions as a result of the physical and mental decline of the individual, and the decrease in the body's potential to balance between internal and external factors. Individuals go through a process of physical, mental and social change while aging, and they may encounter many problems such as chronic illnesses, discrimination, abuse, neglect, social isolation, loneliness, and poverty. It is very important for individuals to live their lives biopsychosocially healthy, active, successful and happy and to cope with the problems they experience in the aging process. Art therapy, which includes the development of coping and problem-solving skills, is a psychosocial intervention used in older individuals. Different types of art therapy can be used in many problems elderly individuals face such as depression, dementia, loneliness and hopelessness. It is stated that art therapy enables the elderly to relax physically, supports autonomy, increases socialization and sharing, reduces functional impairment and improves self-confidence. In addition, art therapy is described as an extremely effective method in conditions such as dementia, depression and loneliness, which are common in elderly individuals. Art therapy, which is included in the nursing intervention classification, can also be used by nurses to increase the quality of care.