Comparing engagement across online arts forms in older adults: a mixed-methods study of five disciplines

BACKGROUND: To further understand how arts participation leads to health and wellbeing outcomes, we present video analysis of five different arts activities online that enables an examination of older adults' experiences over time.

METHODS: A two-staged analysis of recordings of nineteen older adults ( > 55 y) used quantitative analysis of coded verbal contributions, followed by qualitative content analysis of two case-studies.

RESULTS: Unprompted verbal contributions were more frequent and increased more strongly over time in visual arts compared to more information-based disciplines. Qualitative case studies showcased how positive outcomes of creative workshop participation may manifest gradually over time, or in contrast as part of subtle, pivotal moments of reorientation.

CONCLUSIONS: This research developed a nuanced video analysis method to evaluate experiences of creative arts workshops. Such methodologies are essential for distinguishing the impact of interventions, allowing for a differentiated approach in prescribing arts interventions for health and wellbeing outcomes.