Empowering Older Persons through Creative Engagement
A Feasibility Study of ‘The House of Evergreen Arts’ among Chinese Community Members in Newcastle, England
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 11297302 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Lisa Evans (0000-0001-9402-3083, Northumbria University), Cath Darling (Northumbria University), Pui Lee, Lai-yee Tsang (Tyneside Cinema), Simon Luddington (Tyneside Cinema), Frank Ho‐yin Lai (0000-0003-0365-7000), Frank Ho-yin Lai (Hong Kong Polytechnic University, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 41 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | 3-3 |
| Publication date | 2026-03-01 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0169-3816 • E-ISSN: 1573-0719 |
| Publisher | Springer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1007/s10823-025-09551-y |
| PMID | 41591625 |
| OpenAlex | W7125837211 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 30 |
Creative engagement through arts and crafts has been increasingly recognised as a valuable tool for promoting well-being among older persons. This exploratory study examines the feasibility and experiential impact of a five-month Older Persons Art Project designed for older members of Newcastle’s Chinese community. Participants aged 60 and above were recruited through community organisations and engaged in weekly textile-based workshops. Activities included embroidery, indigo dyeing, block printing, and observational drawing. Data were collected through written reflections and semi-structured video interviews, and analysed using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis framework. The authors aimed to: (1) explore how artistic activities may support cognitive engagement and fine motor coordination; (2) examine the role of social interaction in fostering emotional well-being; (3) understand the influence of cultural heritage on identity and belonging; (4) identify challenges faced by older persons in creative engagement and strategies used to address them; and (5) offer practical recommendations for future community-based arts initiatives. Thirteen participants (aged 64–80) engaged in the programme. Five key themes emerged: learning and skill development, social interaction and community, enjoyment and satisfaction, cultural heritage and identity, and challenges and perseverance. Participants described increased confidence, a sense of achievement, and strengthened cultural connection The findings suggest that arts-based programmes can offer meaningful opportunities for older persons to engage creatively, build social bonds, and reconnect with cultural identity. While the study does not claim measurable outcomes, it highlights the potential of participatory arts initiatives to support healthy ageing through inclusive and culturally responsive design.(252 words)
Citizen journalism · Community engagement · Creativity · Cultural heritage · Experiential learning · Participatory action research · Social engagement · The arts · Thematic analysis · Aging and Gerontology Research · Art Therapy and Mental Health · Crafts, Textile, and Design
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The Importance of Age-Friendly City on Older People’s Continuity and Life Satisfaction
Arts and creativity interventions for improving health and wellbeing in older adults
Too old to be creative? An age bias in creativity judgment
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Everything Is Perfect, and We Have No Problems
| Citations per year | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Highly cited | No |