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KJW Articles - Therapuetic Benefits of the Use of Poetry Writing with Elders
Poetry therapy is the youngest of all the creative art therapies among the elders. During the sessions, elders can gain a better understanding of their feelings, extend their emotional range, and improve their ability to communicate their emotional needs using poetry.
Elders bring their whole soul into activity, stimulate their cognition, increase or maintain self-esteem and maintain or improve socialization in-group settings. This process is also known as 'person-center approach' for creative self-expression. Person-centered approach is when the development of a person is the focus.
To initiate a poetry group, arrange the participants in a semicircle and have the group leader begin by reading some poetry. The poetry must not rhyme necessarily; instead the free expression is the most important thing. Then choose a theme to write about. This can be a wonderful and meaningful intergenerational program. Writing a poem can be at first very threatening to anyone, ever more so in a group setting, this is why a leader must present the program as a fun interactive activity. The poem does not need to be perfect. Humor facilitates the process and provides a no threatening atmosphere. Write all ideas and single words on the board. As the group becomes more comfortable, less structure is required.
The secondary focus of a poetry group is no more than 30 minutes of cognitive stimulation and communication. Cognitive stimulation is defined as stimulus of the thinking process. In addition, it helps to express feelings by free expression.
Family members may adopt poetry writing and incorporate this activity during their regular visits. It is amazing what one could accomplish during poetry writing sessions with family members.
A group of elders and I were reading Robert's Golden Sayings by Robert Muller (www.RobertMuller.org) during an improvised poetry writing session and this is what we came up with
Robert, please tell me
from where you drew out
the words of Golden Sayings
that are shaking my silver soul
to really fancy living a life of purpose
I thank my eyes
because they still can read
the words that are filling my heart
with so much joy.
I also thank my hands
because they still can hold steady
the reading that is making me feel young again
Music, color, pledge, dimension,
hope, dreams, grace, opportunities,
peace, destiny, love, immensity,
health, happiness, capacity, transformation,
for I have found these meanings
as pristine dreams you're giving
Please keep writing
for me to keep reading
what only you know how to say.
Kathy J. Ward
Co Founder of WEL, World Elder Land™
Therapeutic Recreation Consultant
National Assisted Living Administrator Certified
Board Member, Activities, Adaptation and Aging Journal
Ambassador of Happiness For Elders
Alzheimer's Association Speakers Bureau
Cell: (240) 393-5456
Connection@KathyJWard.com
www.KathyJWard.com/blog
www.elderrecreationtherapy.com
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