The study found that homebound seniors may benefit from virtual trips to museums.
Randomized controlled studies have shown significant improvements in social isolation, well-being, quality of life and frailty ratings.
Scientists have long known that social isolation is associated with a variety of health problems, including increased risk of heart disease and stroke, mental deterioration, and even premature death. They are particularly vulnerable because they are prone to social isolation and loneliness. The coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated the situation by requiring social distancing, especially to keep the world’s older population healthy.
However, when combined with interactive art-based activities, the same digital technologies that allow workers to connect remotely could help older adults become healthier physically, mentally and socially. and the first study to show that a trip to a virtual museum can significantly improve the quality of life of older people confined to their homes.Researcher’s Findings Published in Journal medical frontier.
Researchers from Canada and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) collaborated to examine the benefits of conducting weekly virtual visits over a three-month period. 106 metropolitan Montreal residents aged 65 and older were recruited for the study. Half of the participants participated in weekly guided tours, while the control group did not participate in cultural activities during the same period.
art improves life
According to the paper, the intervention group had significantly improved scores on social isolation, well-being, quality of life and frailty assessments compared to the control group.
“Our study showed that arts-based activities can be an effective intervention.” University of Montreal“On a global scale, this participatory art-based activity has the potential to become a model that museums and art galleries around the world can offer to promote active and healthy aging.”
The greatest benefit of the 45-minute virtual museum tour, which included a 15-minute Q&A at the end with the museum guide, was improved frailty.
Frailty refers to “a state of vulnerability that exposes an individual to accidental health events and disorders that adversely affect quality of life and increase health and social costs.” We need to address the challenge of limiting vulnerability and its associated negative impacts in a civilized society.”
Creative ways to improve your health
The new study expands on previous research investigating the potential health benefits of an ongoing MMFA program for older adults called “Thursdays at the Museum.” Findings from a 2018 single-arm pilot study showed that museum-sponsored arts-based activities can improve the well-being, quality of life, and health of older adults.
In fact, the success of the pilot study led to a three-year multinational study to test the efficacy of arts-based interventions across societies and cultures. In addition, the Research Center of the University of Older Montreal Institute is working with MMFA and the University of Montreal to develop a new program that brings together the arts and health called the Arts & Longevity Lab. The purpose of this lab is to develop, validate and promote art-based interventions for older adults.
Beauchet said these initiatives reflect the approach advocated by the World Health Organization (WHO) to manage chronic diseases. For example, WHO launched the Aging and Health Program in 2015. The program included using community-based organizations to promote culture as a key component of health improvement. Traditionally, this kind of preventive health activity has been held in schools, community centers, and workplaces.
“These are good places to reach large numbers of people, but there are other organizations and sectors that could be partners in public health research and practice development,” Baucher said. is one such potential partner: they recognize the needs of the community and are expanding the types of activities they offer as a result.”
Reference: “Benefits of a three-month cycle of weekly virtual museum tours in community-dwelling older adults: results of a randomized controlled trial” by Olivier Beauchet, Jacqueline Matskiv, Kevin Galery, Linda Goossens, Constance Lafontaine, Kim Sawchuk , 16 August 2022, medical frontier.
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.969122
This study was funded by the Fonds de recherche du Québec-Société et culture and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.
