Self-perceived creativity in the later years: Case studies of older Nebraskans

Creativity has been thought to decline in the later years. Recent research and thought in the fields of aging and creativity challenges that assumption, instead finding the later years a time rich with opportunities for creative expression. This study examined the creative lives of 20 older Nebraskans, using a single factor embedded case study design. Four research questions were considered: (1) What patterns of creativity over the lifespan are perceived by older artists? (2) What factors, including family, career, and time available affect creativity over the lifespan? (3) Do subjects\u27 loci of control affect their patterns of creativity over the lifespan? (4) Are there new insights on creativity and aging to be gained from the perspectives of older artists? The results corroborated findings from recent research challenging the assumption of an inevitable decline in creativity with age. Three patterns of creativity were found: up-down-up, rising, and consistent. Having time available was found to be the factor most important to creative expression in the later years. Locus of control was not found to affect patterns of creativity. Subjects expressed their own insights and ideas about creativity and aging in response to an open-ended question. Further analysis of subjects\u27 responses indicated that creativity can help other adults find satisfaction in life, achieve developmental tasks, and find meaning in life