A thesis submitted for the a Master of Arts degree, this research study examines the benefits gained by older people through their participation in a creative arts program that is specifically structured as a group leisure experience. Using a mixture of disciplines (leisure, arts and ageing well/gerontology), the paper investigates case studies with the objectives:
- To identify the benefits that older people perceive they derive from their involvement in group arts programs;
- To identify and describe the components of the program that the participants enjoy.
The findings indicate that there is potential scope for the arts, leisure, and aged care fields to provide a more stimulating and developmental range of creative programs, so that older people can have more opportunities to lead enjoyable lives that provide them with meaning and purpose.
The paper ends with specific recommendations for Policy Makers and Funding Bodies, and for Service Providers and Program Co-ordinators, and outlines some ideas for Future Research.
http://wallaby.vu.edu.au/adt-VVUT/public/adt-VVUT20070723.110422/