Sharing and caring: Collaborative creativity and co-curated exhibitions to enhance belonging in older adults

Abstract

Objectives

This paper explores the potential of photographs and creative practice to connect older adults to self and community through photograph-sharing and care practices.

Methods

This qualitative study used a combination of collaborative arts-based practice and friendship as a method to explore creative photo walks with 12 older adults based across residential aged care and community dwellings.

Results

Sharing images with others and collaborative exhibitions enhanced new social connections and personal communications. The research highlighted three key dimensions that emerged from the creative practice: connection, agency and the capacity for giving.

Conclusions

This article contributes to discourses in creative gerontology, participatory research methodologies and arts-based approaches to understanding ageing. By foregrounding the experiences of older adults and centring their creative agency, we challenge deficit-based models of ageing and propose alternative frameworks that recognise the ongoing creativity, resilience and social potential of older individuals.