From Iteration to Partnership: A CBPR-Informed and Practice-Oriented Framework for Developing Community-Based Art...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Community Health
• Creative Arts Therapies

Background:

• Global population aging necessitates community-based interventions for healthy aging.
• Older adults require accessible programs promoting well-being and social connection.
• Art programs offer a unique avenue for engaging older adults in meaningful activities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and refine a community-based art program for older adults in northern Taiwan.
• To assess the program's feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness for the target population.
• To explore the program's impact on participants' cognitive engagement and psychosocial well-being.

Main Methods:

• A Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR)-informed action research design was employed.
• A qualitatively driven, multi-method approach guided program development and refinement.
• The program underwent iterative revisions across two 8-week cycles in community centers, involving participant feedback.

Main Results:

• The community-based art program demonstrated feasibility, acceptability, and contextual fit.
• Findings indicated the program was age-appropriate for older adults in northern Taiwan.
• Qualitative data revealed perceived benefits in cognitive engagement and psychosocial support among participants.

Conclusions:

• Community-based art programs are a viable and effective strategy for supporting healthy aging.
• Iterative refinement through CBPR enhances program suitability and impact for older adults.
• The developed art program shows promise for promoting cognitive and psychosocial well-being in aging populations.