Enhancing Quality of Life for Seniors Through Art-Based Discussions

In an innovative initiative to boost the quality of life (QOL) for senior citizens, Benesse Style Care, part of the Benesse Corporation, has developed a program called "Oshaberi ART Viewing". This art-based dialogue program aims to enhance social interaction among residents of senior care facilities and was recently presented at the 23rd IAGG World Congress of Gerontology and Geriatrics, held from July 5 to July 8, 2026, in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Understanding the Need for Enhanced Interaction

In many elderly care settings, conversations often begin with staff prompting residents. However, fostering natural interactions among residents and bringing out their personal thoughts and values is a significant challenge in providing individualized care. Benesse Style Care recognizes the need to promote personal expression among residents by incorporating art into their daily routines. This includes various activities, such as art exhibitions, aimed at improving each resident's QOL.

The "Oshaberi ART Viewing" program, which focuses on dialogue about art, is specifically designed to create opportunities for interaction. This program not only allows those who may have difficulty participating in art creation to engage but also emphasizes the importance of visual and verbal expression in appreciating art.

Overview of the "Oshaberi ART Viewing" Program

The program is crafted to be accessible for seniors of all backgrounds. Participants select a postcard-sized art card that resonates with their feelings or preferences and share their thoughts on it. Following this, they view a large piece of artwork and engage in open dialogue about their observations and feelings. Facilitators use methods aligned with the Benesse's interactive viewing approach, asking questions like, "What makes you think that?", which encourages participants to share their perspectives based on their individual values rather than textbook responses.

Findings from the International Gerontology Conference

The study was conducted in a Benesse-operated senior living facility, involving five participants aged between 82 to 93 years. Over four sessions spanning from November 2025 to February 2026, participants interacted with 2 to 3 artworks during each session. The conversations were recorded with consent using a video camera, and subsequent analyses involved comparative assessments of verbal contributions, mood scales, and evaluations of QOL.

Key Results

The findings indicated a significant increase in participant dialogue throughout the sessions, alongside noticeable improvements in QOL. Participants exhibited a shift in perspective as they transitioned from simply observing artworks to reflecting on their memories, experiences, and future imaginings. Many reported enhanced moods and expressed enjoyment in conversing with each other, highlighting the social benefits of the program.

Discussion of the Outcomes

This initiative underscores how "Oshaberi ART Viewing" serves as a personalized dialogue space, fostering deep discussions that reflect individual experiences. The facilitator's role in prompting insights helped participants articulate their thoughts, leading to richer dialogue and mutual understanding. The differences in how modern art encourages introspection compared to contemporary art, which often fosters questions about the self and broader context, could potentially correlate with the observed increases in mood and QOL.

Future Directions for Benesse Style Care

Benesse Style Care plans to expand this initiative, aiming to verify the program's effectiveness with a broader demographic of residents. By refining the program based on feedback and outcomes, the organization is committed to enhancing the conceptualization of care that adheres to the individual needs of seniors while actively promoting fulfillment in their lives. This approach aligns with their overarching mission to provide quality living experiences for the elderly.

Overall, the "Oshaberi ART Viewing" program is a significant step forward, providing an enriching opportunity for self-expression and community among senior residents. As the field of gerontology continues to evolve, so too will the methods of engaging seniors in meaningful ways that truly reflect their unique voices and experiences.