Creative aging: Unraveling the psychosocial benefits of art among Germany's oldest old; Findings from the nationally representative study "Old Age in Germany (D80+)"

Abstract

There is a dearth of studies examining the link between artistic activity and psychosocial outcomes exclusively among the oldest old. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the association between artistic activity and psychosocial outcomes among individuals aged 80 years and over in Germany. Methods/Design: Data for this analysis were taken from the "Old Age in Germany (D80+) study", a nationwide sample encompassing both community-dwelling individuals aged 80 and above, as well as those residing in care facilities. The analytic sample included a total of n = 3181 individuals. Established tools were used to quantify the variables of interest. Results: Approximately 25.5% of individuals engaged in artistic activities, with the most popular being singing (9.0%) and making music (7.7%). Most participants engaged in these activities frequently, predominantly at home (84.8%). Regressions showed that overall engagement in the arts was not significantly associated with outcomes, except for reduced loneliness among men. Specific types of arts activities were associated with favorable psychosocial outcomes (e.g., singing and making music were associated with lower loneliness among men, whereas photography/filming was associated with lower loneliness among women). In addition, engaging in artistic activities outside the home was associated with higher life satisfaction among the total sample and women. The frequency of engagement in artistic activities was mainly not associated with psychosocial outcomes. Conclusions: About one in four individuals aged 80 years and over in Germany is engaged in artistic activities (frequently; mostly at home). Our findings show that engaging in artistic activities may have positive psychosocial benefits (depending on the type and sex-specific), particularly in reducing loneliness and increasing life satisfaction. Artistic engagement, particularly outside the home, may contribute to increased life satisfaction among women. Even rare artistic activities could prove beneficial.