Adaptive and Creative Ageing: Insights from Expert Performers and Everyday Practices

Abstract

Arts and physical activities can confer a range of mental, physical and psychosocial benefits on participants. Exploring the experiences of those who have maintained expert or committed participation in the arts and physical activities across adulthood into older age can uncover the ways in which these engagements entwine with experiences of ageing. This presentation reports a detailed research project that traced the instruction, training and individual practices of arts and sports experts across their adult experiences. It uncovered striking transitions in activity purpose, goal orientation and personal identity as the participants aged. Early career emphasis was on skill mastery, competition, and public recognition. Continued engagement in later life revealed goal shifts to a focus on enjoyment, connection, and self-expression. The project shows that despite physical and mental changes that are associated with ageing processes, the individuals studied were able to maintain high engagement by adapting their routines and perspectives on themselves which also included redefining success. Participants described the value of routine and structure, social connection, and a strong sense of shifting identity in their continued arts and sport activities. These findings reveal how personal flexibility in motivation can support sustained participation with concomitant positive wellbeing outcomes, highlighting the value of adaptive artistic and physical engagement as a pathway to healthy ageing.

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