Bernard, M and Rickett, M (2016) The Cultural Value of Older People’s Experiences of Theatre-making: A Review. The Gerontologist, 57 (2). e1-e26. ISSN 1758-5341

[thumbnail of bernard_ger_2016.pdf]
Preview
Text
bernard_ger_2016.pdf - Accepted Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.

Download (383kB) | Preview

Abstract

Purpose of the Study:
Although a number of existing reviews document the health and social benefits of arts participation by older people, there are none which focus specifically on theater and drama. This article presents the findings of a study conducted as part of the UK’s Arts and Humanities Research Council “Cultural Value Project.” The 2-year (2013–2015) “Cultural Value Project” sought to make a major contribution to how we think about the value of arts and culture to individuals and to society. It made 72 awards: 19 critical reviews of existing bodies of research, 46 research development awards to carry out new research, and 7 expert workshop awards to facilitate discussions among academics and practitioners. Together, these awards explored the components of cultural value and the ways in which cultural value is evidenced and evaluated.

Design and Methods:
Following an extensive search of academic databases and E-mail requests via relevant organizations and networks, 77 publications formed the basis for our own critical review.

Results:
Our findings highlight the benefits and value of older people’s theater and drama participation on health and well-being, group relationships, learning and creativity, and draw attention to the importance of the esthetic value and quality of older people’s drama.

Implications:
Despite the recent surge of interest in this field (a third of the reviewed literature was published between 2010 and 2014), we suggest that there are multiple areas for further research.

Item Type: Article
Additional Information: This is a pre-copyedited, author-produced PDF of an article accepted for publication in The Gerontologist following peer review. The version of record is available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnw093
Uncontrolled Keywords: Ageing, drama, theatre, cultural value, creativity
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman
H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races
P Language and Literature > PN Literature (General) > PN2000 Dramatic representation. The Theater
Divisions: Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences > School of Social Science and Public Policy
Depositing User: Symplectic
Date Deposited: 02 May 2016 08:03
Last Modified: 10 Apr 2019 11:37
URI: https://eprints.keele.ac.uk/id/eprint/1695

Actions (login required)

View Item
View Item