The Artful Aging Project

Author

Maria Carmelita Fernandez, University of the PacificFollow
Sah'Neya Fryer, University of the PacificFollow
Kathleen Morris, University of the PacificFollow
Maya Price, University of the PacificFollow

Files

Course Name

Clinical Improvement Project II CAPSTONE

Graduation Year

12-2025

Faculty Advisor

Sarah Lee, PhD, RN

Abstract

As the older adult population in Sacramento County continues to expand, addressing age-related declines in fine motor function, cognition, and social well-being has become increasingly critical. Such declines can compromise activities of daily living, reduce independence, and exacerbate risks associated with social isolation. Evidence suggests that art-based interventions may mitigate these effects by enhancing motor coordination, promoting social engagement, and stimulating cognitive processes. The Artful Aging Project was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of structured art activities in improving fine motor skills and social wellness among older adults served by the Stanford Settlement Neighborhood Center (SSNC). Grounded in community-based participatory principles, the project involved strong collaboration with SSNC leadership to develop culturally inclusive programming for a diverse and multilingual senior population. Participants engaged in four weekly sessions featuring origami, calligraphy, mosaic, and collage between July and August 2025. Pre- and post-intervention assessments utilized adapted versions of the Manual Ability Measure (MAM-36) and the Functional Status Questionnaire (FSQ) to evaluate fine motor function and social well-being, respectively.

Seven participants completed both MAM-36 surveys, demonstrating an average improvement of 1.8 points, with 85.7% showing maintained or enhanced scores. Six participants completed both FSQ surveys, with 66.7% exhibiting improved post-intervention scores and an average increase of 4.2 points.

These findings indicate that structured, culturally responsive art interventions can effectively preserve or enhance fine motor abilities and social wellness in older adults, supporting the integration of art-based programming within community health initiatives for aging populations.

Keywords

older adults, art therapy, motor skills, activities of daily living, social wellness, quality of life

Recommended Citation

Fernandez, Maria Carmelita; Fryer, Sah'Neya; Morris, Kathleen; and Price, Maya, "The Artful Aging Project" (2025). ELMSN E-Portfolio. A collection of Scholarly and Creative Works. 29.
https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/nursing-portfolios/29