Browsing by Author "Erwe, Elisa"

Aims. The aim of the research is to find out the significance of handicrafts for the well-being of elderly individuals in the cultural activities of a senior center. In particular, it examines the psychological and social well-being effects of handicrafts as well as the maintenance of motor skills. The research also examines how communal handicraft sessions are experienced and what kinds of crafts are available in the cultural activity handicraft groups. Methods. The research is qualitative research, where the data was collected in the handicraft groups as part of the cultural activities in Kustaankartano Senior Center. Data collection was conducted through group interviews. The group interviews were conversational, and discussions were held within the themes. In addition to the themes, supplementary questions were also used to ensure that the interviews stayed focused on the essential topics of the research. In addition to interviews, the data was collected through observation. Observation supported the data from interviews. A total of 8 individuals took part in the interviews and observation was conducted in the handicraft groups on Tuesdays and Fridays, three times each. The data was analysed using qualitative research content analysis. Results and conclusions. Making handicrafts and taking part in a communal handicraft group were observed to have effects on well-being. Handicrafts are an important part of each group member’s daily life, and their absence was noted to have a negative impact on personal well- being. Crafting is perceived to always bring joy, especially through learning new skills, and experiencing success improves one’s sense of capability, fostering a positive mindset. Crafting was found to be a relaxing aсtivity. Attending group sessions and the opportunity for social interaction it provides were seen as important. Particularly for those living alone felt that the activity was important for their social well-being and that it was an opportunity to support social skills. The handicraft groups in cultural activities offer diverse and unstructured crafting activities. Handicrafts are partial crafts. The groups may have a specific theme or topic related to the crafting method of the session, or requests may come from other departments that may guide the crafting projects.