ABSTRACT

This article adds to the literature on improvisation and creative aging with a phenomenological study of six older adults’ experiences with improvisation through a senior education program offered at a Mid-Atlantic community senior center in the United States. Data took the form of two individual interviews and a focus group. Participants reported improv classes helped them build community, provided an avenue to grow, and gave them a place to play. Older adults often battle negative stereotypes of aging. Improv may be a catalyst for creative aging which helps combat negative stereotypes and gives older improvisers the means to positive aging.

摘要

本文通过对美国中大西洋社区老年中心提供的高级教育计划对六名老年人的即兴创作经验进行现象学研究，为关于即兴创作和创造性老龄化的文献增添了新的内容。数据采用两次个人访谈和一个焦点小组的形式。参与者报告说，即兴课程帮助他们建立社区，提供了成长的途径，并为他们提供了玩耍的场所。老年人经常与衰老的负面刻板印象作斗争。即兴表演可能是创造性老化的催化剂，有助于消除负面的刻板印象，并为年长的即兴演奏者提供积极老化的方法。