Music can be part of a holistic approach to pain management

This research was conducted by Julie A. Leis and Colleen I. Morrison at James Bell Associates, USA

Summary

This paper reviewed all the relevant published studies on the use of arts to reduce pain. The research found that music interventions may reduce people’s pain, reduce the amount of pain medication they …

Cultural engagement lowers the risk of developing dementia in old age

This research was conducted by Daisy Fancourt, Andrew Steptoe and Dorina Cadar at University College London

Summary

This paper demonstrates that taking part in community cultural engagement lowers the risk of developing dementia in old age. The research team analysed data from 9,550 adults aged 50 who were part of the …

Programmes like Dance to Health could save the NHS hundreds of millions of pounds a year

This research was conducted by Simon Goldsmith and Themis Kokolakakis at Sheffield Hallam University

Summary

This paper evaluated whether ‘Dance to Health’ was an ‘effective and cost-effective means to address the issue of older people's falls’. The research calculated how many falls were prevented by the programme and how much of …

Arts engagement is associated with increased wellbeing and connectedness, and less intense loneliness

This research was conducted by Urszula Tymoszuk and five others at the Royal College of Music

Summary

This paper adds to the growing body of evidence on the relationship between arts and wellbeing. Unsurprisingly, the research found that ‘more arts engagement was associated with higher levels of wellbeing, social connectedness, and …

Using art therapy to reduce stress in cancer outpatients

This research was conducted by Rossana L. De Feudis and five others at San Paulo Hospital and two other institutions in Bari, Italy

Summary

This paper describes the results of a study into the use of art therapy during a course of cancer treatment. We know that art therapies can benefit …

Using dance therapy to prevent falls

This research was conducted by Trish Vella-Burrows and four others at Canterbury Christ Church University

Summary

This paper relates the findings from an evaluation of ‘Dance to Health’: a scheme designed integrate known physiotherapy falls-prevention exercises into a creative dance programme. The programme was shown to have supported and enhanced physical, …

An intergenerational music and dance project that improved wellbeing

This research was conducted by Lindsay K. Jenkins, Rachel Farrer and Imogen Jane Aujla at the University of Bedfordshire and Coventry University

Summary

This paper describes an intergenerational music and dance project that put professional artists together with older adults experiencing dementia. Through observation and a series of focus group discussions …

The benefits of arts programmes for older people in acute healthcare settings

This research was conducted by Karen Ford and three others at the University of Tasmania and Inscape Tasmania, Australia

Summary

This paper is an account of an arts in health programme at an acute older persons’ unit in a general hospital in Tasmania. There is a well-established body of work that …

Attendance at cultural events associated with longevity

This research was conducted by Boinkum B Konlaan, Lars O Bygren and Sven-Erik Johansson at the University of Umeå and Department of Welfare and Social Statistics, Sweden.

Summary

Previous research has shown that attendance at cultural events is associated with a longer life expectancy. This study aimed to determine whether specific …

By | 3 August 2018 |

The health benefits of an arts project for older offenders

This research was conducted by Dean J. Wilkinson at the University of Worcester and Laura S. Caulfield at Bath Spa University

Summary

Prisoners over the age of 50 are known to experience high rates of physical and mental illnesses, meaning their specific support and rehabilitation needs are often neglected within current …

By | 22 February 2018 |