The impact of engagement with contemporary visual art on the wellbeing of older adults Andrew Newman and Anna Goulding

The research project May 2009 – May people aged 64 – 93 3 visits to art galleries Semi-structured interviews – Baseline – Before and after visit Placing respondents at the centre of the analysis rather than the art form or gallery

Theoretical framework Identity, through its processes and contents provides meaning, form and continuity to one’s life experiences (Kroger 2002) Optimal sense of identity – ‘subjective sense of sameness and continuity over time and space – provides feelings of wellbeing, of being ‘at home’ in one’s body and in one’s psychological and social worlds’ (Kroger and Adair, 2008).

Identity processes Identity processes undertaken in late- adulthood (Kroger 2002) – Maintenance processes (commitment) Establishing visible forms of continuity with previous interests, roles and relationships – Revision processes (exploration) Reevaluation and refinement of important identity elements from earlier years Adjustment to change or to loss Focusing on the ways that content is used for identity processes

Maintenance processes

I love the freedom of being able to learn, but the desire to learn is probably more with me now than it was certainly when I was younger, I think maybe because time’s running out. There is going to come a time when Alzheimer’s sets in, or you get to the ‘Iris Murdoch syndrome’ when you start to forget things and when that happens I really - I hope I know about it so that I can physically do something about it you know [laughs] and die gracefully, because I don’t want - if I lose the desire to learn, I think I would lose the desire for life.

Revision processes Well I don’t know, when I come into (name of sheltered accommodation) I just gave the two lots of needles away and I says I’m not going to knit any more. But now when I’m thinking having a bit knitting I think I’d start taking it up again. But I used to sit and like do needlework you know the fancy things. I think I’d start taking it up again…But I know I haven’t got the use in this hand that I did since I had the stroke, I haven’t got - but I wouldn’t mind trying it and then me memory’s not what it used to be, but you know.

Conclusions Responses can be interpreted in terms of identity processes that lead to wellbeing Maintenance and revision processes could be identified Continuity over time/links to families/life review Perceived limited time Reintegrating important identity elements Readjusting following change/or anticipated change Not always possible to use art for maintenance and revision Not always desirable to use art for maintenance and revision

References Kroger, J. (2002). Identity processes and contents through the years of late adulthood. Identity, 2, 1, Kroger, J. and Adair, V. (2008). Symbolic meanings of valued personal objects in identity transitions of late adulthood. Identity, 8, 1, Marcia, J. (2002). Identity and psychosocial development in adulthood. Identity, 2, 1, 7-28.