Enriching life with creative expression

Abstract

Purpose

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 dementia. Providing guidelines, insight and access programmes to health care staff, carers and individuals with dementia. This information and support will boost dementia care, lowering medical costs and allow for a better environment for the third age to be a part of.

Citation

Ford, C. (2012), "Enriching life with creative expression", Working with Older People, Vol. 16 No. 3, pp. 111-116. https://doi.org/10.1108/13663661211260880