Museum-based programs for socially isolated older adults: Understanding what works

Health Place. 2017 Nov:48:47-55. doi: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2017.08.005. Epub 2017 Sep 23.

Abstract

This paper presents research findings that help to understand how museum programs created opportunities to enhance wellbeing and health, and changed experiences of social isolation in older adults. The research conceptualized how program elements enabled both individual experiences and relational processes to occur. These components operated within a context that was enriched by the museum as a place to support wellbeing and enhance social interaction. To meaningfully support socially isolated older people as part of local public health strategies, museums need to be accessible and engaging places that purposively support social interaction by involving people and objects, participating in multiple sessions over time, that are facilitated by skilled and knowledgeable staff.

Keywords: Healthy ageing; Museums; Social isolation; Social prescribing, older people; Wellbeing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Female
  • Grounded Theory
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations*
  • Male
  • Mental Health
  • Museums*
  • Qualitative Research
  • Quality of Life / psychology
  • Social Isolation*