A Patchwork Quilt

Abstract

Abstract: This paper presents a qualitative case study of a drama-therapy group for older adults at an adult daycare center in Israel. It explores the therapeutic processes in the group in terms of drama therapy and positive aging theory. The group included 12 participants between the ages of 70 and 90, who met for 10 months for 2-hour weekly sessions with a drama therapist (the first author). We used the therapist’s records as data and qualitatively analyzed them. The analysis revealed three main themes: (a) movement arousing memories inherent in the body; (b) the contribution of music to autobiographical memory; (c) transformation and change in the life story through dramatic resonances. These findings shed light on the contribution of drama therapy to support older adults at varied functioning and cognitive levels, and to promote positive aging.