The Effectiveness of Applying Art Therapy on Social Interaction, Self-esteem and Well-Being for Elderly Residents in Long-Term Care Institutions

When aging, older people migrate to long-term care institutions. The elderly residents lack autonomy due to the characteristics of group life. The decline of health function or the occurrence of diseases can easily lead to reduced physical activity, decreased interpersonal interaction, social withdrawal, low self-esteem, and decreased well-being. In current that emphasizes the elderly in health promotion and disease prevention activities, art therapy can be applied for the elderly to achieve the purpose of health promotion. Art therapy could effectively improve social interaction, self-esteem, and well-being; but many researchers still suggest that it is necessary to investigate the effectiveness of art therapy for elderly residents in long-term care institutions. The purpose of this study is to explore the effectiveness of art therapy in improving social interaction, self-esteem, and well-being for elderly residents in long-term care institutions.