Ageing Creatively: Creative Writing as a Tool for Healthy Ageing dataset

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Dataset to accompany Ageing Creatively: Creative Writing as a Tool for Healthy Ageing dataset plan Ageing Creatively: Creative Writing as a Tool for Healthy Ageing commenced in 2015 as a pilot program (pilot 1) exploring the benefits of creative writing workshops in independently living residents of two retirement homes (Cardinal Freeman in Ashfield and Carrington Care in Grasmere). This was funded by an internal WSU grant. Another grant was applied for in late 2015 and another pilot (pilot 2) was run in 2016 in the same two retirement homes. These two pilots investigated three key research questions: 1) What are the best methods and practices of teaching creative writing in Aged Care facilities? 2) How can different creative writing practices enhance a subject’s sense of wellbeing and belonging? 3) What are the best methods for collecting and analysing data about participants’ experiences in joining creative writing groups for senior citizens? The study resulted in the successful design and delivery of a pilot creative writing workshop model for use in Aged Care facilities. Through user testing, and qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, ‘Ageing Creatively’ demonstrated that the sustained use of creative writing activities in Aged Care settings can lead to improved wellbeing, self-esteem, agency, sense of capacity and purpose. It showed how the writing process can foster a sense of meaning, identity and social inclusion for older writers. Outcomes from the 2015-2016 study included: i) draft creative writing curricula purpose-designed for older writers; ii) publication of an anthology produced by writing group members; iii) a showcase performance event; iv) development of an early web model for dissemination of creative works; and v) publication of a scholarly article in the international academic journal New Writing. The Ageing Creatively team developed a Linkage application in 2017 and then a Create NSW application in 2020, but unfortunately both applications were unsuccessful. The team are now applying for another Linkage application due mid December 2022. Please contact Melinda Jewell m.jewell@westernsydney.edu.au ORCID 0000-0002-6471-9888