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 when Britons reach their creative peak. The study of 2,000 UK adults aged over 60 found two thirds felt more creative now than in their 30s, while 94% think that they are more creative and adventurous than the generations before them.
And with 67 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 are more likely to achieve their creative aspirations now than when younger. Over-60s’ creative pursuits include penning novels (25%) painting (6%), learning foreign languages (33%), coding and conquering AI skills (22%) and learning to play the piano (21%).
Other arty aspirations include making jewellery (9%) and even hosting a podcast (5%), while 11% are mastering a potter’s wheel according to the study by art-K – which runs over 60 studios across the UK.
Giles Field, 66, a retired civil servant from North London, picked up a paintbrush for the first time at 59.
He told the Express: “I was never confident in my ability to paint. But I’ve now developed my own style and I just wish I’d started sooner.
“The social element has been just as rewarding – the class is made up of people from all different backgrounds and I’ve met some lovely people, some of whom I’ve stayed in touch with even when we’re no longer in the same class.
“Painting has been good for my mental health. It gives you a sense of purpose and takes you away from daily worries. It brings reward, satisfaction, peace and calm.”
But it’s not just about dreams and ambitions, the research also reveals that creativity plays a vital role in combating isolation as 88% agreed that creative hobbies help combat loneliness in later life.
In fact the benefits are wide-ranging with 44% citing a sense of achievement, 34% saying it improves their mood and happiness, and 31% reporting reduced stress and anxiety.
While 79% believe they help them feel “mentally younger” and 81% think that hobbies like art, writing and music are vital for wellbeing in later life.
Writing in art-K’s Creative Renaissance report, founder Kathryn Harper says: “The findings highlight a powerful shift in how older Britons view creativity and ageing. This generation doesn’t see later life as a slow winding down.
“The tired assumptions about what people over 60 want from life aren’t just outdated, they’re being actively rejected by the very people they claim to describe.
“There’s absolutely no expiry date on creativity. We see people in their sixties, seventies and beyond discovering new talents and 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 small effects. They are telling us something important about what human beings need to thrive, especially as they age.
“And at art-K we aim to provide the environment where adults find there is a creative distraction at the same time as socialising as much or as little as they are comfortable with.”
Founded in 2000, art-K is the leading art education provider for adults & children outside of school. Today the company employs over 100 permanent art teachers and hundreds of art assistants, all with professional art training backgrounds.
Its 60 studios teach over 8,000 students every week, creating a safe space where people can feel comfortable exploring their artistic skills.
OVER 60’s TOP 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%
Making pottery – 11%
Making jewellery – 9%
Learn to code – 6%
Painting – 6%
Modelling – 5%
Food photography – 5%
Hosting a podcast – 5%
Social media influencing – 4%
