Creative works

Literature on the Arts and Ageing, emphasise how the arts can play a unique role in older people’s lives, especially through actively creating and presenting artistic work.  

Purpose – The program was developed to highlight a firsthand view of why and how different creative and expressive art forms can contribute positively to the lives of older people living in residential aged care. Based on this research, Milpara residential home developed two significant art programs to enable creative expression and learning opportunities for nominated and interested residents. The goals of the programs are to support and sustain resident involvement in activities that build greater capacity for individual pleasure, engagement and meaning.

Design/methodology/approach – Staff and residents participated in interviews using set questions and feedback questionnaires to evaluate the value of the different art forms; the ‘Life Savours’ and ‘Wild at Art’ programs. In addition, one of the group facilitators provided summary reports following each session and four case studies were undertaken to contribute to the evaluation process.  

Findings – Overwhelmingly the results for both art programs were positive. Staff and residents were able to articulate the significant benefits that align with research findings, including: Personal fulfilment, meaning through being creative, new skills, new friendships, celebrations of aspects of life with the group, new ideas, dignity and self esteem, empowerment with art contributions and feeling like an individual.

Originality/value – This program reinforces the importance for older people living in residential homes to have the ongoing opportunity to experience a sense of well-being, of confidence, of transformation, through participating in difference types of art forms. The evidence demonstrates the intrinsic value for creative expression, for being able to affirm one’s sense of self and the process of acquiring and developing skills when you are 10 or 110.