The Golden Age of the Arts? Taking Part Survey Findings on Older People and the Arts
Abstract
The UK has an ageing population, and this trend is likely to continue. This article uses data from a new survey called ‘Taking Part’ to analyse patterns of arts engagement among older people (defined as those aged 55 and over) and the reasons for and barriers to older people engaging with the arts. While levels of engagement generally decline among older groups, those aged 55–74 make up a substantial part of the audience for a number of arts events including classical music, opera and craft exhibitions. Indeed, the analysis shows that the 55–64 age cohort is among the most actively involved with the arts. Adults in older age groups also engage with the arts, participating in a range of activities including crafts, reading and watching arts programmes on TV. When analysed further, socio-demographic factors including gender, disability status and socio-economic status emerge as important predictors of arts engagement among older people. Data on motivations and attitudes show that older people engage in the arts for enjoyment, relaxation, to see a specific performer or event and for a sense of a social occasion. In terms of barriers to arts engagement, time is less of an issue for older people, while the impact of poor health (particularly among people with a limiting disability) and the lack of social networks and transport is intensified among older age groups. The article closes with a consideration of the implications for arts engagement among older people of a number of pro…
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Previous studies suggest age-related barriers to arts participation include poor health, lack of time, and interest, and barriers to arts event attendance include costs, no one to attend with, and lack of transportation.
“However, evidence from previous studies has suggested some age related barriers to arts participation (such as poor health, lack of time, and interest) and attendance of arts events (such as costs, no one to attend with, and lack of transportation) [14].”
In the United Kingdom, arts participation declines noticeably beginning around age 65, with the steepest declines for individuals over 85.
“In the United Kingdom (UK) studies have shown noticeable declines in arts participation beginning around age 65 [14], with the steepest declines for individuals over 85 [14, 15].”
Many demographic and health predictors of age-related arts participation, such as gender and difficulty with iADL in older ages, have previously been associated with reduced likelihood of engagement.
“many of which such as gender and difficulty with iADL in older ages have previously been associated with reduced likelihood of engagement [7, 13, 14].”
A number of sociodemographic disparities in arts and cultural engagement have been identified, often amplified in older age, including illness and disability, living alone, lower educational attainment, ethnic minority status, and living in areas with high levels of poverty.
“A number of sociodemographic disparities in arts and cultural engagement have also been identified, which are often amplified in older age [14, 20]. These include illness and disability [21], living alone [21], lower educational attainment [21–23], ethnic minority status [24], and living in areas with high levels of poverty [16].”
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Fluharty, M., Paul, E., Bone, J., Bu, F., Sonke, J., & Fancourt, D. (2021) · PLOS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0261532 · Cited by 28 · see citing works
- Authors
- Keaney, E., & Oskala, A.
- Corresponding author
- Oskala, Anni
- Venue
- Cultural Trends
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Published
- 2007-12
- Volume
- 16
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 323-355
- ISSN
- 0954-8963 (ISSN-L)
- 1469-3690
- OpenAlex
- W2068372413
- Cited by
- 57
- References
- 0
- Citations by year
- 2026: 2 · 2025: 13 · 2024: 6 · 2023: 3 · 2022: 4 · 2021: 3 · 2020: 1 · 2019: 3 · 2018: 1 · 2017: 3 · 2016: 2 · 2014: 3 · 2013: 4 · 2012: 4
- FWCI
- 2.51
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Cultural Trends (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Aging, Elder Care, and Social Issues
- Social Sciences › Cultural Studies › Arts, Culture, and Music Studies
- Social Sciences › Demography › Technology Use by Older Adults
- Keywords
- arts participation, older adults, population aging, sociodemographic predictors, disability, socioeconomic status, social networks, transport accessibility, classical music, opera, craft exhibitions, pension reform
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