Developing a community-based art program for older adults that connects color and music

ABSTRACT

This study developed a community-based art program that uses synesthesia of color and music to enrich the sensory experience of older adults and promote creative aging. The study developed a color-sensor device (called FEEL2) that translates color to sound and proposed a 4-week community-based art program. A total of 61 participants aged between 50 and 90 years were recruited to participate in the art program. This study employed a questionnaire survey and post program interviews to evaluate participant satisfaction with the program and the program’s effect on their quality of life. The results indicate that (1) participants were highly satisfied with the program due to the rich experiences and connection and interaction with other participants and (2) the program positively influenced participants’ quality of life in four aspects, namely enriching daily life, developing positive attitudes toward life, improving self-worth, and promoting social interaction. The developed art program can engage older adults in art activities and improve their quality of life. The developed program and the FEEL2 device were the outcomes of cross-disciplinary collaboration, which should encourage professionals to collaborate to enrich the variety of programs for older adults.

Acknowledgments

We sincerely thank the participants of the community care stations and the workers and volunteers for their valuable comments and suggestions on this study. We thank the facilitator, designers, and implementers of the program for their excellent work.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the University Social Responsibility (USR) Program, Ministry of Education, Taiwan [109O5005; 110O5005].