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Why Creativity Matters in Later Life and How to Keep It Going
Retirement Parnell
2nd Oct 2026
Creativity doesn’t retire when you do. For many people, later life is the first time in decades there’s room to pick up a paintbrush, finish that novel, or take up something new purely for the joy of it.
The benefits go well beyond a pleasant afternoon, too. At The Foundation Parnell, creativity is part of the design, from the art studio in heritage Pearson House to a Reading Room made for unhurried hours with a good book. Here’s why creative living matters, and some simple ways to keep it going.
What the Research Tells Us
Think of creativity as exercise for the mind and mood. Just as walking keeps the body moving, art keeps us curious, engaged and connected.
A World Health Organisation review drew on more than 3,000 studies and found the arts play a major role in preventing ill health, promoting health, and managing and treating illness at every stage of life. The US National Institute on Aging notes that creative engagement is linked to a better quality of life for older adults, including sharper thinking, better memory, greater self-esteem, lower stress and more social interaction.
A US National Endowment for the Arts report adds a further insight: older adults who both made art and attended art events, reported stronger cognitive function, along with lower rates of high blood pressure and fewer physical limitations, than those who did neither. In other words, making art and enjoying other people's may work best together.
Creative Hobbies Worth Exploring
There’s no single right way to be creative. Some people love visual arts such as painting and sketching, while others find their voice in writing, whether through letters or poetry. Reading, and talking about what you’ve read, is a creative act of its own, sparking imagination and conversation. Music, photography and cooking are creative outlets too. The best hobby is simply the one you look forward to.
Spaces at The Foundation Designed for Creativity
Having the right space makes it far easier to keep a creative habit. At The Foundation, the restored Pearson House is at the heart of village life. The original colonnade now links the Drawing Room and the Reading Room, while upstairs has been redesigned to include an art studio, boutique cinema, cardio studio, wellbeing suite and billiard room. Whether residents are relaxing with a book in the Reading Room or exploring their creativity in the art studio, these are spaces for recharging and connecting with others.
The wider facilities also include a Multipurpose Room and a Conservatory Rooftop Terrace, and the concierge team can curate tailored events for residents. You can read more about how Pearson House was brought back to life in Colour and Light.
Creativity is part of the community itself. Among The Foundation’s residents is Jill Eggleton, a celebrated author, teacher and educational consultant known for her contributions to children’s literature and literacy. Read her story here.
Inspiration Right on the Doorstep
Parnell is a naturally creative neighbourhood. The Foundation opens straight onto The Domain next door, and the suburb has more than its fair share of galleries, including Parnell Gallery and Black Door Gallery. Parnell Library is also within easy walking distance. For more ideas, see the Journal’s guide to the Top 7 Art Galleries in Auckland.
Simple Ways to Keep Creativity Going
Start small. Ten minutes of sketching or a single chapter counts. Give creativity a regular place in your week, the way you might a morning walk. Invite a friend along, because sharing a hobby makes it easier to stick with and far more fun. Revisit something you loved years ago, or try something completely new.
Discover Creative Living at The Foundation
Creativity keeps life full of curiosity, connection and purpose, and at The Foundation, it’s built into the everyday. To see Pearson House and its creative spaces for yourself, enquire today to arrange a private tour.
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