The Role of Participatory Arts in Developing Reciprocal Relationships amongst Older People: A Conceptual Review of the Literature

This conceptual review focuses on the impact of participatory arts in promoting reciprocal relationships for older people receiving care in residential or community settings between older people and caregivers, older people themselves, and older people and the wider community. Findings from forty-four studies demonstrate the role that participatory arts can play in maintaining well-being amongst older people through enabling and facilitating reciprocal relationships. Through enabling older people to have a voice, power, and to contribute within relationships, participatory arts facilitate reciprocity, thereby facilitating well-being. Through creating deeper and more reciprocal social connections between older people, caregivers, and the community, participatory arts can help address the prevalence of social isolation and loneliness amongst older people. However, further research is needed to explore the key mechanisms which facilitate these relationships and how to sustain relational impacts. The compelling findings thus far should prompt arts organisations, funders, and policy makers to utilise participatory arts in reducing social isolation and loneliness amongst older people.