Creative Journeys Report 2019

56 Creative Journeys Moving on to the qualitative data, drawing on the findings from the wider study across stage one and two, the power that the arts held in promoting social relationships was sometimes due to an existing interest in or experience of the arts, especially music, which formed part of their personal lives/stories: music, in particular, seemed to be a powerful force in some people’s lives. Familiar songs, pictures and objects were often used to stimulate engagement as residents already had memories of these things that they could share in the group. The memories that were evoked in this way were often happy, or sometimes sad, but memories that were meaningful to the residents or their families. In the case studies, the residents were always grateful for being able to bring important memories about people, places and particular times in their lives into the present. Mum was really pleased about that, because they were photos that she had forgotten about. (Stage one relative) It’s a funny thing about music, I suppose it rules your life really, doesn’t it, in different ways… memories, you know. (Stage one resident) The arts gave residents the opportunity to express these personal emotions and to remember, talk about, and keep loved ones alive. Indeed, residents – especially those who participated in the Age Exchange programme – often retold stories about their lives during the interviews as a way of continuing the experience. Nice to bring back memories of our old times. It almost sort of shortened it, shortened the time and brought it back. As I’m getting older I don’t look forward, I look back. (Stage one resident) The fact that she remembers it when she’s not here is actually quite a big deal for her. I think it has had a fantastic impact on her. She’s always one that will get up and dance when there are entertainers here, if she can. She’s always loved music and dancing so it’s great that it brings that into her life on a regular basis. (Stage one relative) Participating in arts activities gave residents the chance to do something creative that they maybe hadn’t had the chance to do earlier in their lives. It was also something new for them in this environment as professional/ quality arts activities (e.g. live orchestral music) was not something they had necessarily seen before in the care home. Indeed they expressed that other activities were not of the same quality (again highlighting the unique benefits and qualities of professional arts practitioners). However, it is important to note that not all residents may share this interest in the arts, as those who do not have this interest may not have volunteered to take part in the activities. This was mentioned by staff members who completed the stage two survey, who expressed that the arts may only benefit those who have an existing interest in the arts. Additionally, the arts focused on the creative process and the strengths of residents in their existing creativity. For some, having an end product was seen as important – for example the film by Age Exchange and the performance by Sinfonia Viva with Orchestras Live. In terms of the