CADR – Creatively Ageing

Expanding upon the exciting collaboration between the Centre for Ageing and Dementia Research (CADR) and the British Society of Gerontology (BSG), we are delighted to announce a forthcoming event that promises to be a highlight on the calendar for those passionate about creative ageing and innovative research methods. Scheduled for the 21st of November 2023, this event will take place at the prestigious Awen Institute in the heart of the UK.

Building on the success of the Creatively Ageing Arts Competition, which celebrated the talents and creativity of older individuals, this event represents a natural progression in our commitment to advancing the field of ageing and dementia research. CADR and BSG, two esteemed organisations at the forefront of gerontology, have come together to co-host this occasion, drawing upon their collective expertise to create a unique platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration.

The focus of this devolved nations event is to explore the transformative power of creative methods in research concerning ageing. In a world where our population is ageing, understanding the needs, aspirations, and experiences of older individuals is of paramount importance. Creative approaches to research not only breathe fresh life into the exploration of these issues but also offer a more engaging and holistic perspective.

During this event, attendees will have the opportunity to delve into the world of creative ageing, with presentations and discussions led by experts in the field. We will explore the myriad ways in which the arts, culture, and creativity can be harnessed to gain deeper insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with ageing. From innovative research methodologies to the practical applications of creativity in care and support, this event promises to be a rich tapestry of ideas and inspiration.

Moreover, the event will provide a platform for networking and collaboration among researchers, practitioners, and advocates for ageing issues. It is our hope that this gathering will foster new partnerships and spark innovative projects that will contribute to the betterment of the lives of older individuals across the UK and beyond.

Mark your calendars for the 21st of November 2023, and join us at the Awen Institute for what is sure to be a day of enlightenment and celebration of creative ageing research.

Register to Attend

Presenters

Dr Gemma Carney, Queen’s University Belfast

Dementia in the Minds of Characters and Readers: an interdisciplinary study of language, character and empathy is an AHRC funded project led by Jane Lugea, Gemma Carney, Carolina Fernandez-Quintanilla and Paula Devine.

In this presentation Dr. Carney discusses a co-authored article published in a special issue of The Gerontologist, dedicated to investigating how arts and humanities can find new pathways to understanding ageing. In the article we share our main findings of interest to gerontologists – those who study ageing and older people. The project shared extracts from novels whose protagonists had dementia at reading groups of people with dementia, carers, the general public and student social workers. In this article, we concentrate on reporting the views of participants with most direct lived experience of ageing – people with dementia and carers.

Gareth Rees, Amgueddfa Cymru

With one of Amgueddfa Cymru’s six commitments being to ‘Inspire creativity and learning for life’, Creative Ageing is at the heart of what we do. Through our Museums Inspiring Memories project that looks at how we can use our museums and collections to improve the health and wellbeing of those affected by dementia, our intergenerational group at Big Pit National Coal Museum that fosters relationships between the generations and creative opportunities at museums like the National Waterfront and National Wool museum, work is underway across Wales to support ageing creatively through access to our national collections and heritage spaces.

Dr Merryn Thomas, Centre for Ageing and Dementia Research

This presentation will share the creative methods used in the Understanding Older and younger people’s PerspecTives and Imaginaries of Climate change (OPTIC) project. We will discuss how methods including collage, mobile interviews, games and storyboarding facilitated the sharing of stories during five workshops in south Wales, and how these stories were re-told in a bilingual comic and two interactive exhibitions. We discuss the challenges and opportunities of intergenerational creative approaches and invite delegates to try some of the methods with the OPTIC team.

Aelwyn Williams, Swansea University

Using collages and cut-ups.

One of the methods used in the OPTIC project was co-producing collage and cut-ups (which are similar to word collages). In this session, Dr Aelwyn Williams will give some more background to his use of these mainly visual creative methods and how they are a useful way of trying to make sense of research areas which are often dynamic, ambiguous and polyvocal. Such methods are highly adaptable and can be used by the researcher either on their own or to co-produce knowledge with others in a way which can stimulate debate and help think about present issues or imagine different futures.