‘Social Prescribing’ for Elder Care with Professor Lin: Social Responsibility in Action
Have you heard of ‘Social Prescription’? Associate Professor Hui-Wen Lin recently led a National Science and Technology Council–funded project researching this. Co-authored with Professor Ming-Chyi Pai, Chair of the NCKU Institute of Gerontology, the full title of the published study was “Research on the Strategic Participatory Practice of Participatory Museum for Creative Aging as Force Drives from Social Prescription”. Using an action research approach, they combined the concepts of ‘social prescribing’ and ‘participatory museum’ into a strategic model. In a four-way support relationship, Professor Lin led the elderly, their caregivers, and accompanying artists to embark on a journey of five art interventions. This journey enabled the participants to share the wonderful experience of art creation, and used art as a non-verbal mode of narrative expression, caring for the mental health of the elderly and their caregivers.
The concluding art pieces encompassed four major themes and utilized a variety of creative mediums to capture stories. These included sand play creations to recall growth, watercolor painting to present unforgettable past memories, and the co-creation of books such as “My Leisurely Life”, which reflected on personal resilience in the face of life’s difficult experiences. These completed art pieces were exhibited together under the title “生命敘事創作聯展” [Life Narratives: Joint Creations] at MUMU Gallery in September 2023. Later, the art was relocated to ArtDeCorner, a community cultural space that previously served as a glutinous rice flour factory. Unlike the white-box vibe of traditional exhibition spaces, ArtDeCorner feels more like a large living room. From October 12–19, 2023, the elderly participant’s joint creations helped spark dialogue and exchange within the local community.
On October 14, during the exhibition period at ArtDeCorner, project leader Professor Lin convened an open focus group forum, to create practical operation models and academic discussion for ‘Social Prescription’ in Taiwan. A diverse group of professionals were invited, with representatives from museums, art galleries, and healthcare organizations, including experts on museum studies, gerontology, art education, art therapy, and curation. The forum provided a platform for these professionals to engage in meaningful discussion and share experiences around three major themes: ‘The Intersection of Community Seniors and Art’, ‘Creative Aging Practices in Participatory Museum’, and ‘Co-creation of Happiness through Cross-Organizational Cooperation’.
This research project showcases the possibilities of a dynamic collaboration model between care-focused civil organizations and cultural art institutions with a push by the government for ‘social prescription’. It aims to change the role of elderly in contemporary art from rarely seen passive bystanders to active participants. With the guidance of art planners and creators, co-creation of unique art experiences can be fostered between the elderly and their caregivers. In terms of art intervention, the project also surveys the implementation of ‘Social Prescription’ in civil society and the development of a continuous support system. It positions cultural and art institutions as key partners in executing ‘Social Prescription’, encouraging elderly participation and interaction. Ultimately, this project highlights the practical role and contribution of university social responsibility in advancing local community happiness and promoting elderly wellbeing.
