Our whole society benefits when older Americans use their talents and experiences to become involved in the arts as creators, teachers, mentors, volunteers and audiences. It is difficult to separate spirituality and creativity, as both are tied to the notion of self actualization, stepping beyond oneself, transcendence. Creativity is viewed to have universal meaning that extends beyond time and self.
Creative activity combines the energies of feelings imagination and thought.
Some believe that the approach of one s end of life actually stimulates creativity with increased urgency, intensity and energy. This section on creativity is also quite related to Activity and Leisure . Please refer to that section for additional activities that may bring meaning and spirituality into older adult lives. The process of creating and one s attitude, the way one approaches the project, may be more important than the actual product or tangible outcome. Studies have shown that creativity may emerge during periods of loneliness and depression.