Empowering Positive Ageing: Harnessing Creativity and Social Media for Change

Published

https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-41637-8

Cite

Corso, R., Robinson, CH. (2023). Promoting Positive Ageing Lifestyles and Wellbeing Through the Use of Social Media to Facilitate and Enhance Creative Decision-Making. In: Guralnick, D., Auer, M.E., Poce, A. (eds) Creative Approaches to Technology-Enhanced Learning for the Workplace and Higher Education. TLIC 2023. Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, vol 767. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-41637-8_12

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Media Release

Empowering Positive Ageing: Harnessing Creativity and Social Media for Change

[Adelaide, October 2023] - Ageing populations are not a challenge, but an opportunity for change. In a groundbreaking project, researchers from the University of South Australia, Ron Corso and Charlie-Helen Robinson, have explored how creativity and social media can transform the perception of aging communities. Their work aims to challenge stereotypes, empower the elderly, and drive positive ageing across society.

In today's world, where ageing populations are on the rise, the perception of seniors as a burden on society needs to be reconsidered. One in seven adults in Australia is now aged 65 and over, and life expectancy has increased by an average of 20 years since the 1960s. This extended lifespan should not be seen as a problem but an opportunity for society to tap into the wealth of experience, wisdom, and leadership that the elderly offer.

The researchers highlight that the negative view of ageing, often associated with diminished value, needs to be replaced by recognising the positive attributes that come with age. Experience, wisdom, and leadership can offset the perceived challenges of ageing. Creativity is key in this transformation, as it enhances cognitive performance, personal influence, and social skills in older individuals.

To combat negative stereotypes and promote positive ageing, initiatives like "Active Ageing," "Creative Ageing," and "Embrace Age" have emerged. These movements emphasise the value of older individuals and their ability to contribute to society. The researchers propose an innovative approach called 'Creative Capital,' tapping into the creative potential of older people to identify and address a wide range of social and community issues.

Social media, often seen as a domain for younger generations, is proving to be a powerful tool for older adults as well. Platforms like Facebook, blogging, and professional forums such as LinkedIn, have become vital for social support, combatting loneliness, and raising self-efficacy.

The research project led by Ron Corso and Charlie-Helen Robinson, facilitated workshops and idea generation methods to introduce creative practice and demystify its relevance for older individuals. Creativity, once considered personal and inborn, is now recognised as a collaborative, learnable, community-based skill. It involves making perception shifts and reimagining knowledge.

The outcomes of these workshops were inspiring. Participants explored various topics, including co-housing communities, combining facilities, intergenerational co-home ownership, elder foster care or adoption, and expanding educational experiences. These innovative ideas challenge existing norms and open doors for new approaches.

This project underscores the importance of not excluding older generations from the conversation about our future challenges.?

Creativity knows no age boundaries and can offer unique solutions to complex, evolving problems that society faces today. As Edward DeBono aptly puts it, "You can't dig a new hole by digging the same hole deeper." To address the challenges of our times, we must embrace creativity, no matter our age.

Ron Corso and Charlie-Helen Robinson's ongoing work shows that creativity and social media can be powerful catalysts and platforms for change. It is a call to action for individuals, communities, and policymakers to embrace the wisdom and creativity of older generations, turning the challenges of ageing into opportunities for a brighter future.

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Ron Corso, University of South Australia

Email:?[email protected]

Charlie-Helen Robinson, Communications Specialist

Email: [[email protected]]

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