El arte como estrategia metodológica para fortalecer las relaciones interpersonales entre los Adultos Mayores institucionalizados en un Centro Gerontológico de la ciudad de Milagro.

Abstract

This research studies the role of art as a methodological strategy to strengthen the interpersonal relationships of older adults in a Gerontological Center in the city of Milagro. This document has been developed from the discourse and experience of older adults in terms of art, meeting and recreation spaces and how, from these meetings, they begin to establish new dynamics and norms. The central axis in this research has been the theories of active aging and activity, from where older adults shared the experiences that have been built. Thus, a more comprehensive vision of the aforementioned dynamics and the interpersonal development of older adults in this context is articulated. The selected research approach has been qualitative, with structured interviews and focus groups being the key researching tools to reveal how older adults perceive their reality in the institutional context of the Gerontological Center and how art is positioned as the mobilizer of interactions in this cycle of life, which includes new forms of adaptation and development of skills and abilities. Among the most relevant results of this study, it is mentioned that art represents for these older adults the main way to counteract negative emotions and avoid depressive and anxiety behaviors, in addition to verifying that it promotes physical and cognitive functions in this cycle of life.