ART THERAPY IN SENIOR DEVELOPMENT – GERAGOGICAL AND CULTURAL SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES

Анотація

From a sociological perspective, art therapy sessions for older adults play an important role in preventing social exclusion and promoting social integration. Aging often leads to a reduction in social contacts, loss of previous social roles, and an increased risk of isolation. Creative activities—such as music therapy, visual arts, or theatre—provide a space where older individuals can restore or strengthen social capital, understood as networks of relationships, mutual trust, and support. Participation in group activities fosters a sense of belonging, enables the adoption of new social roles, and enhances the visibility of older people within the local community. Creative engagement not only supports personal development but also strengthens community ties and improves the overall quality of life. Psychological and neurobiological research confirms that learning and development processes continue throughout life, including in old age. The brain retains its capacity for neuroplasticity, meaning that older adults can acquire new skills, develop interests, and sustain cognitive activity. Art therapy engages emotions, cognitive processes, and social life, thereby supporting the holistic development of older adults. It encourages self-expression, the discovery of new interests, and the maintenance of creative vitality. Participation in such activities contributes to a higher quality of life, enhances the sense of self-efficacy, and strengthens social bonds, all of which are crucial for a more fulfilling experience of later life.

Keywords: art therapy, social integration, elderly people, social capital, active aging, creative activities, quality of life