As you age, you may be interested in your newfound free time to explore different activities. It is important to keep yourself occupied for better mental wellness. This can mean a reduced risk of depression and improving your cognitive functions. A study found that the elderly who visited at least one exhibition a year had a 14% decreased chance of early mortality. Furthermore, if you visit museums regularly, you could benefit from a 31% reduced risk of early death. Read on to find out just exactly how museum visits can benefit your health.
Keeping Your Mind Active
There are many different kinds of museums to suit your interests. Regardless of the type of museum that you visit, viewing an exhibition will encourage you to exercise critical thinking and introspection. When you look at an object or a piece of art, you are made to interpret and reflect on its meaning. This process will stimulate your brain and prevent conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s. It is almost guaranteed that you will leave the museum with more knowledge than when you walked in.
Connecting with Your Creativity
As you age, you may find that you do not have as many opportunities to stimulate your creativity. In particular, visiting art museums like the Gilcrease Museum or the Philbrook Museum of Art can be a greatly rewarding experience. Draw inspiration from the numerous artistic styles, color combinations, and subject matters. Who knows? This may prompt you to pick up on your creative hobbies again! This is yet another mentally stimulating aspect of gallery visits. Furthermore, trying to analyze the creative components of artwork can also hone your concentration and focus.
Growing Your Social Network
It is easy for the elderly to become isolated from their wider community, especially if they live alone. However, by visiting museums, you will be able to access a new social network of museumgoers. It is easy to strike up a conversation about your favorite piece of art or an exhibit you find interesting. By forming meaningful connections with others, you decrease your chances of getting depression or anxiety. The interesting facts and details you encounter in the museum can also make your next conversation with friends even more exciting.
What to Do Before Your Visit
Once you’ve decided to go to the museum, it is useful to keep these tips in mind.
- Contact Them Ahead of Time: It is key that you check a museum’s hours of operation. Sometimes, they have special events which may cause the museum to close early. Ask about their least crowded times to avoid long queues.
- Make Use of Audio Tours: Guided audio tours are an excellent way to enhance your experience in an interactive manner. Try asking if you can reserve an audio guide beforehand.
- Consider Booking a Private Tour: Museums often offer volunteer-led tours for guests. These tours can be an interesting opportunity to learn more about the exhibit and get some much-needed social interaction. Consider private group tours if you are on a scheduled day trip.
- Arrange Transport: It is generally a good idea to plan how to get to the museum. It may require additional transport arrangements, or you may be able to reach with just public transport. Regardless, this makes the actual journey smoother on the day itself.
