This report contains the initial findings from a study into creative social activity and older adult wellbeing. Key findings highlight the benefits to older women's self-worth and belonging resulting from regular social participatory arts activities.
Normally associated with children – in particular, a future king of England – it may come as a surprise that Montessori education methods can be highly effective for supporting people with dementia.
Frances Williams PhD research explores how devolution is impacting the field of Arts in health. I began this enormous task last year by trying to understand the big picture, looking at how policy frameworks and forms of government diverge in their approach to Arts in Health – not only between the(four)nations but recently devolved(English)city-regions too.
An exchange with Taiwan on the theme of creative ageing reveals some inspiring projects from one of the world's fastest ageing societies.
It has been highlighted as a public health priority to identify ways of supporting well-being in older age to allow people to lead healthy and integrated lifestyles. This study explored whether membership in eight different sorts of community groups was associated with enhanced experienced, evaluative and eudemonic well-being among older adults.
This work-based research by Jacqueline Richards makes a timely contribution, bringing together older people’s voices, work-based practice, theory and learning to create new knowledge that can inform future research and practice, whether large or small scale.
Created Out of Mind is a team aiming to explore, challenge and shape perceptions and understanding of dementias through science and the creative arts.
Recognition of the role of artistic and creative practices in enhancing health, wellbeing and quality of life is gaining increasing significance as evident through a number of reports, research and news articles, initiatives and events.
The symptoms of hundreds of thousands of vulnerable people with dementia could significantly improve by listening to and playing music, according to a report. The study, which compiled existing evidence as well as talking to experts, found music can help people with dementia recall information and reduce symptoms such as anxiety, agitation and aggression.
Integrating arts and culture into NHS plans will both save and change lives, write Lord Haworth and Rob Webster. “Creative Minds not only saved my life, it gave me a life”. I first heard Debs Taylor, a peer project development worker, tell me this at a conference on social prescribing. In one sentence, she captured why a focus on the arts and health should be a fundamental part of every NHS plan and strategy.
A new report from the Commission on Dementia and Music. With the number of people living with dementia in the UK expected to reach one million by 2025, this is a hugely important issue for society as a whole, and one which the ILC-UK has focused on for over ten years. Whilst dementia and music might seem like a niche topic, the work of the Commission has, for the first time, brought together experts, specialists, and people with dementia to examine the topic holistically. The Commission has outlined the value and benefits of music for people with dementia, whilst also looking at the important next steps which can be taken to ensure that everyone with dementia is able to access music.
The Age of Creativity is a network of professionals and organisations that thrives by working in partnership. If you’re specialism is research and your work supports older people to enjoy improved health, wellbeing and quality of life through the arts and culture, then your website could feature here for free. If you provide information on your website that our national network could benefit from then we really need to connect up so get in touch today.”
