How participatory arts can contribute to Dutch older adults’ wellbeing – revisiting a taxonomy of arts interventions for people with dementia

Abstract

Background A growing body of evidence suggests the positive impact of arts on health and wellbeing. The mechanisms underlying the impact however, remain overlooked. Methods 38 Semi-structured interviews were held with 30 older adults and 10 artists, involved in five participatory art projects in the Netherlands. Case-based framework and cross-over analyses were done on the basis of Cousins et al.’s taxonomy. Results Participatory art initiatives contributed to the wellbeing of older adults in a complex interplay with the artist, art form, group of participants, material aspects and continuity of activities. A welcoming environment appeared a consistent underlying mechanism for participants to grow on a personal and artistic level, connect with others and feel supported in their psychosocial wellbeing. Conclusion This article demonstrates the important social function participatory art can have for older adults, and argues for the importance of a thorough consideration of the context wherein underlying mechanisms and outcomes emerge.

Creative Art: Connection to Health and Well-Being

“…A growing amount of data reveals that engaging in creative arts can promote health and well-being in individuals. This data inspired Liu et al (2022) to conduct a study on how participatory arts activities (both social and solitary) can or without health challenges. As life expectancies continue to increase in many countries, Liu et al (2022) wanted to see if engaging in art therapy could facilitate "creative aging" to help in areas of vulnerability, loneliness, and lack of meaning in life.…”

“…This data inspired Liu et al (2022) to conduct a study on how participatory arts activities (both social and solitary) can or without health challenges. As life expectancies continue to increase in many countries, Liu et al (2022) wanted to see if engaging in art therapy could facilitate "creative aging" to help in areas of vulnerability, loneliness, and lack of meaning in life. The authors concluded that participatory arts could advance social connectedness, promote personal and artistic growth, and increase feelings of psychosocial well-being in older adults (Liu et al, 2022).…”

“…Visual art therapy encompasses many creative arts such as textiles, collage, pottery, painting, watercolours, acrylics, crocheting, crafts, and others (Stuckey & Nobel, 2010). Engaging in visual art therapy produces an increased feeling of well-being by helping individuals focus on positive life experiences instead of psychosocial, emotional, and physical problems (Liu et al, 2022;Stuckey & Nobel, 2010). Participating in visual arts allows people to express themselves illustratively through a particular art medium and thus enhances their self-worth and identity (Stuckey & Nobel, 2010).…”

“…The study by Liu et al (2022) found that participants in various creative art forms felt safe and supported by the artist and valued the chance to connect with others, learn something new, and relax. The participants stated that while engaging in the therapy, they forgot about their physical and psychological limitations and were able to immerse themselves in the art and "have a good time" (Liu et al, 2022).…”

“…The study by Liu et al (2022) found that participants in various creative art forms felt safe and supported by the artist and valued the chance to connect with others, learn something new, and relax. The participants stated that while engaging in the therapy, they forgot about their physical and psychological limitations and were able to immerse themselves in the art and "have a good time" (Liu et al, 2022). In the same sense, studies on cancer patients engaging in creative art therapy found that it eased their preoccupation with their cancer diagnosis and allowed them to feel challenged and have a sense of achievement in doing something new and different (Stuckey & Nobel, 2010).…”