Let us progress! Implementing professionally led arts-based programming in senior centers

ABSTRACT

The arts offer a cost effective and appealing approach to healthy aging. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the development and implementation of three creative aging pilot programs led by professional teaching artists in multipurpose senior centers. The process of recruitment focused on professional teaching artists, senior center directors, and program participants. Data collection documented attendance, field note observations, participant demographics, self-reported health, and satisfaction. Open-ended interviews detailed individual experience, learning opportunities, dislikes, and both program and instructor feedback. Analysis involved descriptive statistics and apriori pattern coding. Outcomes are reported specific to each program developed, including: 1) readers theater, 2) choir, and an 3) Improvisation/Movement class. A total of 35 older adults participated in all three programs. The choir had the highest average of regular attendance, while the improvisation/movement class struggled with recruitment. Overall satisfaction was high across all programs, with participants expressing enjoyment with courses that offer a challenge and desired that courses continue. This study emphasizes the importance in collaborating with centers to develop high quality programming and recommends strategies to facilitate program sustainability. Future program development and instruction may be improved through application of lessons learned.

Acknowledgments

I acknowledge the support and help of the many senior centers, program directors, and participants who participated in the evaluation of these pilot programs. In addition, thank you to Gina Allyn and Samantha Powell for their assistance in data collection.

Disclosure statement

At the time of this research, I was a board member of the non-profit, EngAGE Utah, which received a grant to pilot these creative aging programs. I did not receive remuneration for this voluntary board position. However, I did receive a small amount of funding to hire a graduate research assistant to facilitate data collection on this project.

Correction Statement

This article has been corrected with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Utah Division of Arts and Museums and EngAGE Utah. In addition, individual support from the National Institute on Aging [K01AG065623 to J.E.].