Enriching life with creative expression

Abstract

If you would like to write for this, or any other Emerald publication, then please use our Emerald for Authors service information about how to choose which publication to write for and submission guidelines are available for all. Please visit www.emeraldinsight.com/authors for more information. About Emerald www.emeraldinsight.comEmerald is a global publisher linking research and practice to the benefit of society. The company manages a portfolio of more than 290 journals and over 2,350 books and book series volumes, as well as providing an extensive range of online products and additional customer resources and services.Emerald is both COUNTER 4 and TRANSFER compliant. The organization is a partner of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and also works with Portico and the LOCKSS initiative for digital archive preservation. AbstractPurpose -The aim of this paper is to identify the benefits for individuals with dementia from participating in highly creative engagement activities. It also aims to analyse the ways of promoting access for this generation in settings such as museums and galleries, identifying the various ways the USA and UK differ when providing new opportunities for this generation. It also seeks to depict how the USA measures and acknowledges creativity, alongside the decrease of cognitive ability.Design/methodology/approach -The Winston Churchill Travelling Fellowship study was carried out in six cities across the USA; these were Milwaukee, Chicago, Minneapolis, New York, San Francisco and Washington, DC. Data, observations and knowledge were gathered from various access programmes in museums and galleries, creative access organisations and in alternative environments from hospitals, to day centres and residential care.Findings -This article highlights the benefits of coordinating creative activities within a healthcare setting, looking at ways of changing cultural views and improving the health service.Research limitations/implications -The research was limited to the USA and its six biggest cities. The results presented are predominantly qualitative and the results rely on extensive evaluation.Practical implications -Collaboration between health staff and artists can prove difficult so it is essential to utilize practitioners that share the same values and visions of the end goal. Both leadership and job roles need to be discussed in great detail before beginning any access project.Social implications -Arts in a healthcare context will bridge the gap between age and ability, altering the views of today's general culture. Instead the ''elderly'' will be seen as creative, innovative and pro-active. The arts can transform the stereotypical views that today's culture have of the elderly, from negative to positive. The arts will inspire intergenerational collaboration between the young and old which will enhance self-esteem, respect and knowledge for both age groups.Originality/value -This paper will promote the arts as a positive tool to improve the quality of life for individuals with dement...

Tailoring cultural offers to meet the needs of older people during uncertain times: a rapid realist review

“…They need to identify who might be receptive to a cultural offer and consider how they propose this suggestion so it sounds like a viable source of support (see messaging above). They also need to be aware of what cultural offers are available locally [ 45 ]. Having a variety of activities is useful, to cater for a range of needs [ 67 ].…”

“…Collaborations are important in this regard. The reviewed literature provided relevant examples of strategic collaborations with third sector organisations [ 49 , 67 ], healthcare providers and clinicians [ 44 , 45 ] and care homes [ 58 ]. Stakeholder feedback stated that communication between link workers and cultural sector staff creates an understanding of the contribution each can make to the well-being of older people.…”

Museums working with older people in times of pandemic

“…WHO and several other health organizations have recognized the positive impact of arts, culture and cultural heritage in well-being, during the current pandemic, as a way to cope with social isolation and social distancing. This must be understood as part of previous changes in how health organizations understand health and illness, acknowledging that the prevention and treatment of several diseases need to include social activities, artistic and cultural participation, which enrich people’s lives (Chatterjee, 2020; Ford, 2012; O’Neill et al , 2020).…”

“…Museums’ representations of older adults, the inclusion of older adults’ experience for collective memory and the promotion of active ageing online are particularly important functions for museums-as-caregivers (Ford, 2012; Fruhauf et al , 2020; Rosenblatt, 2014) and even more in times of pandemic.…”

Connecting reminiscence, art making and cultural heritage: A pilot art-for-dementia care programme

“…Although the arts, generally speaking, is not in a position to cure dementia, a growing body of research shows promising outcomes for people living with dementia who participate in arts activities (Camic et al 2014;Kinney and Rentz 2005;Capstick 2012;Grant et al 2012;Hannemann 2006;Eekelaar et al 2012;Ullán et al 2013;Ford 2012). Some of the known benefits of engaging in creative art activities include reducing isolation, promoting social inclusion, preventing depression, promoting self-esteem, enhancing caring relationships, and offering cognitive stimulation for people living with dementia.…”