A study on the experiences of frail elderly who participated in a storytelling cognitive program: Based on the J Senior Day Care Center

This study began by examining the experiences of frail elderly people who participated in the J Senior Day Care Center’s storytelling cognitive program that has been in operation for 8 years and 9 months, and discussing the educational approach to cognitive programs for frail elderly people who should be noted in a super-aging society. For the study, six frail elderly people who participated in the J Senior Day Care Center’s storytelling cognitive program were interviewed and the semantic structure of their experiences was described. The results of the study were as follows: First, the participants’ physical frailty was reflected in their psychological and living aspects. Second, the participants in the storytelling cognitive program felt self-efficacy and experienced communication in social interaction. Third, the participants recognized their own changes toward ‘living again’ and showed practical changes for the meaning and growth of life. Through consideration of these results, we propose that cognitive programs for the elderly be understood in the context of lifelong education and approached educationally. In addition, it is necessary to understand the special characteristics of frail elderly people and pay attention to their educational needs, and to introduce various educational programs that take into account their needs in welfare institutions that care for frail elderly people.