[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 81 (Monday, June 14, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1099]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      ART THERAPY FOR OLDER ADULTS

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. LOUISE McINTOSH SLAUGHTER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 14, 2004

  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to emphasize the importance 
of art therapy, especially in treating older adults. In my work as co-
chair of the Congressional Arts Caucus, I have long emphasized the 
therapeutic benefits of the arts. Art therapy is a profession that 
serves people of all ages with a means of expressing emotion and coping 
with life issues. Emotions are often difficult to convey in words and 
an artistic avenue can serve as an effective way to communicate inner 
thoughts and feelings.
  The elderly in particular face many emotional difficulties including 
loss, isolation, disability, dependency, and concerns about healthcare 
and treatment. Gerontology studies have shown that engaging the elderly 
in artistic activity may improve health and quality of life by 
decreasing the incidence of depression, anxiety, medical visits and 
related medications.
  In addition to the emotional gain and sense of dignity and self-
esteem achieved, the elderly can benefit from art therapy in clinical 
ways. In seniors who suffer from memory loss or cognitive impairments 
caused by Alzheimer's disease and stroke, levels of function can be 
maintained and improved. One woman who worked with an art therapist was 
able to remember and depict aspects of her life that she could not 
communicate verbally. Others who have difficulty concentrating due to 
dementia and disorientation show improved attention through the 
creative process. Cognitive stimulation and social interaction 
contributes to alertness and orientation. Art therapy therefore has 
many implications for health maintenance and cost-containment for the 
elderly.
  Art therapists are master's level mental health practitioners, 
specially trained to combine psychology and psychotherapy with the 
visual arts. They work with older adults in hospitals, psychiatric, 
rehabilitation, community and wellness facilities, nursing homes, 
residential living communities, as well as in private practices and 
environments for younger clients. The American Art Therapy Association, 
founded in 1969, establishes national standards for education and 
clinical practice.
  This week, the American Art Therapy Association is hosting an exhibit 
here on Capitol Hill called, Creative Aging: Beyond Words. This event 
will display artwork by older adults in art therapy programs from 
across the United States. The exhibit highlights the ways art therapy 
contributes to meeting and managing the challenges of later life, and 
cultivating the strengths of elders. Paintings, drawings and sculptures 
eloquently convey the multitude of problems confronting elders, and the 
wisdom of those who have lived full lives. The artists were guided by 
trained clinicians in the exploration of themes and content for 
enhanced understanding of personal issues, improved outlook and quality 
of life.
  Art-therapy remains under-recognized as a viable treatment. Many 
older Americans are unable to access such services due to lack of 
awareness, insurance coverage and insufficient employment of art 
therapists. I encourage my colleagues in Congress to recognize and 
support the profession of art therapy and to broaden conventional 
thinking about services to elders.

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