Ruth Pearce and Sue Lillyman discuss how engaging in creative activities can have a wide range of benefits for older people
This article reports the initial findings from the evaluation of four creative arts projects involving groups of older people living in a rural community. The purpose of the projects was to reduce social isolation among participants through providing direct access to arts and social activities.
The view was that these activities would improve life skills and independence, increase levels of activity and improve the health, wellbeing and quality of life of participants.
Evaluation of these projects demonstrated increased levels of self-worth and self-esteem among participants. Many of the older people involved agreed that they had made new friends while having the opportunity to try out a new activity.
Nursing Older People. 27, 10, 33-38. doi: 10.7748/nop.27.10.33.s22
Correspondence Peer reviewThis article has been subject to double-blind review and has been checked using antiplagiarism software
Conflict of interestNone declared
Received: 31 July 2015
Accepted: 13 October 2015
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