Social
Effects of dialog-based museum viewing on emotional well-being among older adults: a quasi-experimental study Hiroshi Habu* Hiroshi Habu Habu Habu Habu Habu Habu Habu Habu Habu Habu Habu Department of Social Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
Background
Rapid population aging in Japan has intensified concerns about social isolation among older adults. Museums have implemented programs to promote social engagement and well-being, but quantitative evidence on their health impacts remains limited.
Objective
To examine the effects of dialog-based museum viewing programs on emotional well-being among older adults.
Methods
We conducted a quasi-experimental study among adults aged 65 years and older in Tokyo, Japan. Participants were allocated using a program-embedded random allocation to a dialog-based viewing group or a video-based viewing group. The 60-minute program was conducted at the University Art Museum, Tokyo University of the Arts. Emotional well-being was assessed before and after the program using the Generic Wellbeing Questionnaire (12-item version). Pre–post changes were analyzed using linear regression models, with and without adjustment for age, sex, and usual museum visitation. Multiple testing was addressed using the false discovery rate. Analyses were conducted using R (ver. 4.5.2). Ethical approval and written informed consent were obtained.
Results
Twenty-six older adults participated (15 dialog-based), as implemented, with a mean age of 71.9 years. For all positive emotion items, adjusted point estimates favored the dialog-based viewing group. In particular, enthusiasm showed the largest improvement (adjusted coefficient 0.93, 95% CI 0.42 to 1.44). For negative emotional items, irritability showed a relatively large improvement (adjusted coefficient −0.81, 95% CI −2.02 to 0.40), while other negative items also showed point estimates favoring improvement, although CIs were wide.
Conclusions
Dialog-based museum viewing facilitated by art communicators was associated with enhancement of positive emotions among older adults and suggested improvements in some negative emotional states. This study provides quantitative evidence to inform future research on the health impacts of arts-based programs.