The Value of Active Arts Engagement on Health and Well-Being of Older Adults: A Nation-Wide Participatory Study

Abstract

An emerging body of research indicates that active arts engagement can enhance older adults’ health and experienced well-being, but scientific evidence is still fragmented. There is a research gap in understanding arts engagement grounded in a multidimensional conceptualization of the value of health and well-being from older participants’ perspectives. This Dutch nation-wide study aimed to explore the broader value of arts engagement on older people’s perceived health and well-being in 18 participatory arts-based projects (dance, music, singing, theater, visual arts, video, and spoken word) for community-dwelling older adults and those living in long term care facilities. In this study, we followed a participatory design with narrative- and arts-based inquiry. We gathered micro-narratives from older people and their (in)formal caregivers (n = 470). The findings demonstrate that arts engagement, according to participants, resulted in (1) positive feelings, (2) personal and artistic growth, and (3) increased meaningful social interactions. This study concludes that art-based practices promote older people’s experienced well-being and increase the quality of life of older people. This study emphasizes the intrinsic value of arts engagement and has implications for research and evaluation of arts engagement.

Methods for Successful Aging: An Aesthetics-Oriented Perspective Derived from Richard Shusterman’s Somaesthetics

“…Arts engagement can result in participants experiencing (1) positive feelings; (2) personal and artistic growth; and (3) increased meaningful social interactions. Art-based practices promote the well-being of older adults and increase their quality of life [ 34 , 35 ].…”

The influence of arts engagement on the mental health of isolated college students during the COVID-19 outbreak in China

“…Receptive arts engagement refers to activities in which the individual was an audience member (e.g., listening to music, watching a dance concert, looking at visual art). These two kinds of artistic activities have been proven to improve people's wellbeing during the epidemic ( 13 , 14 ).…”

“…Participatory arts engagement involves dancing, singing, drama performance and other activities. Research has proved that participatory arts engagement in these activities can improve the sense of experience happiness during COVID-19 ( 14 ). Arts engagement might serve as a coping mechanism in times of crisis.…”

Intergenerational Theater Workshops as Unique Recreational Activities among Older Adults in Japanese Care Facilities: A Qualitatively Driven Mixed-Methods Multiple-Case Study Design

“…There is a growing interest in the effect of arts on the well-being of older adults [ 8 , 9 , 10 ]. Art-based activities, such as music, dance, and theater, are becoming more recognized as relevant tools to enhance participants’ physical movement, communication skills, and memory through group activities [ 8 ].…”

“…The current studies of intergenerational art programs have shown positive effects on the well-being of older adults [ 9 , 13 ], in addition to younger generations receiving inspiration from older adults and reducing fear of growing older [ 14 ] and promoting mutual understanding between the young and old [ 9 , 11 , 15 ]. Therefore, incorporating an intergenerational approach in art-based activities has become appreciated as an opportunity for social participation for older adults [ 9 , 10 , 13 , 16 ].…”