Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 14, 2025

Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care
Published on: February 16, 2011
"When I go back to painting, I am 'Alice in Wonderland": older women coping with age-related crises through visual
Liat Shamri-Zeevi1, Neta Ram-Vlasov2,3
1Art Therapy Department, Ono academic College, Kiryat Ono, Israel.
Background:
The creative process of visual artmaking provides an opportunity for older women to express themselves and explore their emotions, thoughts, and experiences. This study examined the roles of visual artmaking in older women's lives in general and in relation to the ongoing challenges of aging.
Methods:
The sample was composed of 21 Israeli women aged 60-90, who indicated that they produced visual artworks on an ongoing basis. The participants' artworks were collected, and semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted.
Results:
A thematic analysis of the interviews revealed 4 themes: visual artmaking to address the challenges of older women's lives, artwork as a framework for doing, visual artmaking to support the wellbeing of older women, artwork as channel of communication and stronger ties with family members.
Conclusions:
The findings contribute to a better understanding of the roles of visual art in older women's lives, especially in times of crisis.
Related Concept Videos
Cognitive Development During Adulthood
Aging
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
Coping Strategies: Emotion Focused
Kubler Ross's Stages of Dying
In denial, individuals reject the reality of their condition, often thinking, "This isn't true; I feel fine," as a way to protect themselves from...
The Effect of Aging on Tissues
Coping Strategies: Problem Focused
For example, consider a student who struggles to understand their...

