Using the arts for awareness, communication and knowledge translation in older adulthood: a scoping review

Abstract

Background: The arts are powerful methods of enhancing social engagement and well-being in older adulthood. Literature on arts utility in translating knowledge about ageing and related processes is emerging but poorly understood. We conducted a scoping review to map research on how the arts are used for awareness, communication, and knowledge translation in older adulthood. Methods: We consulted a research librarian, comprehensively searched four interdisciplinary databases, systematically screened 1321 articles and extracted data from 11 included articles. Results: Articles predominantly originated from the Health Sciences, were informed by qualitative data, and were developed linearly, from problem identification to art development. Performance theatre was the most commonly employed narrative approach. Conclusions: Approaches to arts development in this context do not maximize collaboration and participant engagement, thereby reducing potential impacts of arts for older persons. We propose a cyclical and collaborative alternative to developing arts strategies for combined communicative and engagement purposes.