Boost for OAPs – as surprise age revealed for ‘reaching creative peak’ | UK | News
It’s never too late to paint that masterpiece or write that Booker Prize-winning novel, after a new study reveals that 67 is the age at which Britons reach their creative peak. Study of 2,000 UK adults Two-thirds of respondents over the age of 60 say they feel more creative than in their 30s, while 94% think they are more creative and adventurous than the generations before them.
With 67 people the same age as pop star Madonna, actors Kevin Bacon and Slow Horses star Gary Oldham, and director Tim Burton, 69% of us said they were more likely to achieve their creative ambitions now than when they were younger. The creative pursuits of people over 60 include writing novels (25%), painting (6%), learning a foreign language (33%), acquiring coding and artificial intelligence skills (22%) and learning to play the piano (21%).
According to the research, other art enthusiasts include making jewelry (9%) and even publishing a podcast (5%), while 11% want to master the potter’s wheel. art-K – Operates over 60 studios in the UK.
Giles Field, 66, a retired civil servant from north London, picked up a paintbrush for the first time when he was 59.
He told the Express: “I was never confident in my ability to paint. But I’ve developed my own style now and I wish I’d started sooner.”
“The social element was just as rewarding – the class is made up of people from different backgrounds and I met some lovely people, some of whom I have stayed in touch with even though we were no longer in the same class.
“Painting has been good for my mental health. It gives you a sense of purpose and distracts you from daily worries. It brings reward, satisfaction, peace and tranquility.”
But it’s not just about dreams and ambitions; research also reveals that creativity plays a vital role in combating isolation; 88% agree that creative hobbies help combat loneliness in later life.
In fact, its benefits are diverse; 44% mention a feeling of accomplishment, 34% say it improves their mood and happiness, and 31% say it reduces stress and anxiety.
79% believe it helps them feel “mentally younger”, while 81% think hobbies such as art, writing and music are vital to their well-being in later life.
Don’t write art-Ks Kathryn Harper, founder of the Creative Renaissance report, said: “The findings highlight a powerful shift in the way older Britons view creativity and ageing. This generation does not view later life as a slow end.”
“Tired assumptions about what people over 60 want from life are not only outdated, but actively rejected by those they claim to define.
“Creativity has absolutely no expiration date. We see people in their sixties, seventies and beyond discovering new talents and self-confidence through art.
“The vast majority agree that creative hobbies help combat loneliness and that creative activities are vital for wellbeing in later life.
“These are not minor effects. They tell us something important about what human beings need to thrive, especially as we age.”
“And at art-K we aim to provide an environment where adults find a creative distraction while also being able to socialize as much or as little as they feel comfortable.”
Founded in 2000 art-K is the leading provider of arts education for adults and out-of-school children. Today, the company employs more than 100 permanent art teachers and hundreds of art assistants, all with professional art education backgrounds.
Its 60 studios teach more than 8,000 students each week, creating a safe space where people can feel comfortable exploring their artistic talents.
OVER 60 MOST CREATIVE HOBBIES:
Learning a foreign language – 33%
Writing a novel – 25%
Learning to play the piano – 21%
Learning AI computer skills – 16%
Interior design – 15%
Pottery making – 11%
Jewelery making – 9%
Learn to code – 6%
Dyeing – 6%
Modeling – 5%
Food photography – 5%
Podcast hosting – 5%
Social media influence – 4%
