Model of Development of Learning Activities to Promote Mental Health among the Older Adults at Senior Citizens School

Abstract

This research aimed to develop learning activities in drawing and painting to promote mental health among older adults and to study the results and the satisfaction of the older adults towards learning activities in drawing and painting. The qualitative and quantitative research methods were conducted. The samples consisted of 200 older people, who were members of the senior citizens school in the community, as well as 12 school administrators and related staff who were involved with the activities designed. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequency and percentage, and qualitative data were analyzed by using content analysis. The findings revealed that the process of designing learning activities included three main activities: 1) preparing before learning through hand massage; 2) drawing by using exercise sheets and 3) painting or coloring on designed sheets. The observation results showed most of the older adults showed confidence in drawing and painting, and most of them had fun during drawing and painting activities. The older adults were satisfied with the overall program at the highest level (97%). The experience of learning from the activities indicated that they were happy with the designed learning activities. The outcomes of the designed learning activities support the older adults in terms of potential, value awareness, and self-efficacy.