共融藝術在偏鄉社區的應用對高齡者心理健康的影響

The Impact of Inclusive Arts Application in Rural Communities on the Psychological Well-being of the Elderly

全球都在面臨老齡化的過程，臺灣也不例外。國家發展委員會在最新2022至2070年人口推估報告中指出，2025年臺灣將會進入超高齡社會，這對整個社會及國家的未來造成了極大的挑戰與考驗。在地老化是世界各國目前極力推動之政策，然而，偏鄉地區通常面臨著較少的文化資源和較低的社會參與率，這可能對當地居民的心理健康造成不利影響。因此，本研究之主要目的為藉由高齡藝術課程的介入方案介入偏鄉的樂齡教育，期盼促進偏鄉高齡者的身心健康。次要目的則是開發出更有效的偏鄉心理健康促進方案，並為相關政策和實踐提供指導。

本研究為期一年，招募參與者居住於高雄市偏鄉之高齡者（≤65歲）60人（實驗組／控制組各30人）。實驗介入課程內容、時間及次數如后。實施設計：實驗組高齡共融藝術課程介入課程。控制組：同實驗組一樣為高雄市偏鄉居民，無處遇。本研究結果顯示，「高齡共融藝術課程」介入對實驗組受試者的老年憂鬱量表得分有顯著性的差異，但對於「幸福感」與「正向情緒」則無顯著的影響。因此，本研究結果認為透過高齡共融藝術課課程，可有效降低受試者的憂鬱指數。

The global population is undergoing an ageing process, and Taiwan is no exception. According to the most recent population projection report from the National Development Council (2022-2070), Taiwan is expected to enter a super-aged society by 2025. This demographic shift poses significant challenges for both society and the nation’s future. Ageing in place is a policy actively promoted by many countries. However, rural areas often lack cultural resources and have lower rates of social participation, which may negatively impact the mental health of residents. The primary objective of this study is to promote the physical and mental health of older adults in rural areas through the integration of an elderly arts programme into rural lifelong education. A secondary objective is to develop more effective mental health promotion interventions for rural communities, providing guidance for relevant policies and practices.

This one-year study will involve 60 older adults ( ≥65 years old) residing in rural areas of Kaohsiung City, divided into an experimental group and a control group (30 participants in each). The content, duration, and frequency of the intervention programme are detailed below. Study Design: The experimental group will receive an elderly inclusive arts intervention programme, while the control group, composed of similar rural residents, will receive no intervention. The study results indicate that the “Inclusive Arts Course for the Elderly” significantly reduced Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) scores among participants in the experimental group, demonstrating its effectiveness in lowering depression levels. However, it had no significant impact on well-being or positive emotions. These findings suggest that the course specifically aids in reducing depressive symptoms in the elderly.