THE CONCEPT OF USING ART TO DEVELOP THE ELDERLY’S LIFE IN AN AGING SOCIETY

Abstract

“Aging society” is an issue in which many countries need to be aware of the impact and to formulate solutions according to the favorable factors in each country. As for Thailand, from 2017 to 2021, the country's demographic structure tends to enter an aging society, just like other countries around the world. The increase in the number and proportion of the elderly population will affect society and the economy, as well as the allocation of the country's resources in the future. Even now, Thailand is beginning to step into an aging society, the government agencies have taken steps to solve the problem in order to prevent the economic and social impacts in the future. One type of activity that can be used to improve the elderly’s life quality in the aging society is “Art therapy. This is because of the “art” is a medium for expressing emotions and feelings hidden in the mind depth which cannot be expressed in words. “Art therapy” is a concept emphasizing the artistic process. and tools selection, as well as focusing on the process of creating works rather than the work itself. This kind of therapy can be used for patient treatment to suit the diversity of person's problem condition. Considering the essence of the art therapy benefits, including the findings of Bagan (Barbara Bagan, 2021: abstract), it reflects that creative art activities offered a number of benefits to the elderly, such as stimulation of brain function and emotional condition. In this regard, as an opinion of an academic and artistic expert,  the activities for the elderly, beside an academic knowledge activity, it must also be an enjoyable activity for stimulation of physical skills as well as mental health at the same time. In this regard, art activities should be used seriously to help promote the life quality of the elderly in the government activity process.