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ERIC Number: EJ1411435
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0360-1277
EISSN: EISSN-1521-0472
Feasibility of the Implementation of a Cognitively Stimulating Arts Program for Community-Dwelling Older Adults
E. Orsega-Smith; B. Wolfle; N. Amato; R. Suminski
Educational Gerontology, v50 n2 p87-99 2024
As the number of older Americans double in the next forty years, it will be important to delay the decline in cognition. The aim of this paper is to describe the feasibility and acceptability of a six-week cognitively stimulating program focusing on visual arts (Picasso, Andrew Wyeth, and Carl Warner), music (Bach and Franklin), and travel (Europe). An explanatory, mixed methods design (a quantitative phase followed by a qualitative phase) was used to encapsulate a more comprehensive description of the program. The program was conducted with 10 community living older adults who were mostly female (70.5 ± 7.5 years). The goal of each 90-min, weekly session was to provide cognitively challenging activities utilizing peer support and education about memory loss. Pre- and post-surveys assessed cognition (SLUMS) life satisfaction (SWL), and general demographics. Further, preliminary results on the effects of the program on cognition and life satisfaction were obtained. Post-program assessments showed improvement in cognition (p < 0.001) and revealed relationships between age and life satisfaction (p < 0.05), and cognition and attendance (p < 0.05) and life satisfaction (p < 0.05). Qualitative analyses from the focus group (N = 4) demonstrated program acceptability and the potential for long-term impact. These results suggest the current program has the potential for larger-scale implementation. Future directions include efficacy and effectiveness trials across more diverse community settings and populations.
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Delaware
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A