An exploration of engagement in community based creative activities as an occupation for older adults

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of older adults (aged 60 and over) participating in community-based creative arts. With an ever increasing ageing population, understanding the benefits of leisure occupations such as community creative arts will be vital for Occupational Therapists in facilitating participation and active engagement. Design/methodology/approach An empirical qualitative research design with an interpretive phenomenological approach was undertaken. A purposive sampling method enlisted four older adult volunteers whose experiences of creative arts were explored through semi-structured interviews. Interview data were analysed thematically. Findings Participants identified many benefits of engaging in community creative arts. Four main themes were identified, namely, “personal benefits”, “choice” in their occupation, “encouragement” to and from others, with the environment facilitating “socialising”. These resulted in improved occupational performance and positive well-being outcomes. Originality/value The study complements national policy and extends evidence-based practice on the potential well-being benefits on older adults. In support of the preventative agenda, occupational therapists may apply these findings to increase social prescribing within practice.

Community Care Strategies for Older Adults Facing Hardships: Insights from Central Thailand

“…Older adults wished for a career, so each occupation depended on their ability to perform daily tasks, such as taking care of plants at home and involving the community in planning career promotion for older adults. Edwards and Owen-Booth (2021) found that occupations for older adults explored community involvement in career promotion through creative activities, showing that older adults had the opportunity to choose a career and an environment arranged to facilitate the occupation.…”

The art of aging well: a study of the relationship between recreational arts engagement, general health and mental wellbeing in cohort of Australian older adults

“…This study also responds to the Australian "National Arts and Health Framework" which was endorsed by both Health Ministers and Arts Ministers in every Australian state/territory to promote the integration of the arts into health policy and practice (16), and the recent Australian Royal Commission into aged care that found that many older Australians are isolated, lonely and lack the intellectual activity/resources needed to live a meaningful life (6, 17). Arts interventions and programs for older adults have been found to reduce depressed mood, social isolation, boredom; enhance feelings of joy, happiness, hope, selfworth, relaxation and improve quality of life (14,(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23). In the general population, qualitative and quantitative studies have found that arts engagement increases perceptions of happiness, resilience, empathy, enjoyment, confidence, self-esteem, self-expression, knowledge, and self-reflection (8,(24)(25)(26)(27).…”