Remembering through Art: Imaginative Reconstructions with Older Adults Experiencing Dementia

Abstract

In this article, we examine remembering as imaginative reconstructions with older adults. We discuss two forms of remembering through creative engagement: first, helping individuals remember specific memories from their lifetimes as a reconstruction of identity; and second helping people remember feelings of productivity, engagement, and belonging to a group. We argue that creative engagement through art offers moments of remembering, where artists and art educators cannot only help individuals reconstruct identity through the remembrance of specific memories from their lifetimes, but they can help people meet higher level needs through remembering feelings of productivity, engagement, and belonging.