Successful aging and creativity in later life

This study examined the meanings older people attached to successful aging and its relationship to creative activity. Thirty-six contributors to a sen ior art exhibition participated in this study and ranged in age from 60-93. Interviews with participants explored their understandings of successful a ging and creativity the factors viewed as necessary for each, and the benef its of creative! activity and its relationship to successful aging. Qualita tive data were coded by two independent reviewers. Content analysis confirm ed six features of successful aging: a sense of purpose, interactions with others, personal growth, self-acceptance autonomy, and health. The findings indicate that creative activity contributes to successful aging by fosteri ng a sense of competence, purpose, and growth. Artistic creativity also fac ilitates successful aging by encouraging the development of problem-solving skills, motivation, and perceptions that translate into a practical creati vity in the way these individuals manage their everyday lives.