Stimulating Creativity in All Elders: A Continuum of Interventions

Contemporary society seldom associates creativity with people in later adult years. We challenge that perception. A continuum of creative programs defined here shows promise for eliciting late life creativeness offering elders in the community, in residential settings, in adult day care, and in home...

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Published inCare management journals : Journal of case management : the journal of long term home health care Vol. 5; no. 3; pp. 175 - 182
Main Authors Sierpina, Michelle, Cole, Thomas R.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States Springer Publishing Company 01.09.2004
Subjects
Aged
Cognition
Cooperative Behavior
Creativity
Dementia - psychology
Elderly
Frail Elderly - psychology
Health
Health Care Administration and Management
Health Sciences
Humans
Inservice Training
Intervention
Life Change Events
Narration
Psychotherapy, Group - education
Quality of Life
Self Concept
Storytelling
LISTENING
ELDERS
LIFE STORY
DEMENTIA INTERVENTION
CREATIVITY
COGNITIVE STIMULATION
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Summary:Contemporary society seldom associates creativity with people in later adult years. We challenge that perception. A continuum of creative programs defined here shows promise for eliciting late life creativeness offering elders in the community, in residential settings, in adult day care, and in home care new avenues for expression. Life story writing and sharing groups, Visible Lives storyboards, and TimeSlips© storytelling method for patients with dementia equip caregivers with new tools to nourish creativity in all elders. Evidence suggests that stimulating creativity in elders at all levels of functioning improves health outcomes. This article introduces programs designed to engage, encourage, and inspire elders regardless of functionality. All three related but discreet interventions share core components of listening with intention, utilizing positive affirmation, and facilitating sharing in community as participants develop surprising new capabilities. Health care providers, community volunteers, and family members can develop skills and techniques to implement any of the programs described. Fostering creative expression through cognitive exercise and imagination among those in later years may forestall dementias, improve quality of life for elders and their caregivers, and meet unmet personal and societal needs. These programs demonstrate the possibility of growth and creative potential at every stage in life, including the latest years, even for those with dementias.
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ISSN:1521-0987
1938-9019
DOI:10.1891/cmaj.2004.5.3.175