In touch with the past : a sensory approach to objects, memory and wellbeing

With collections that intrigue, inspire and reconnect us to our past, museums are ideally placed to provide meaningful, uplifting experiences for people with dementia. Object handling and reminiscence encourage social interaction and prove that a dementia diagnosis need not signal withdrawal from activities that provide purpose and intellectual challenge. At the same time, museums have developed innovative online experiences, from 3D digital collections to virtual 360’ tours, yet many of these innovations are biased towards visual presentation, diminishing opportunities to appreciate the sensory, material properties of artefacts. This research has addressed current concerns relating to the needs of visitors living with dementia, by identifying the advantages and disadvantages of digital and physical interpretation and by measuring their respective effects on memory and wellbeing. Since previous psychological studies indicate that typical reminiscence activities may pressurise people to retrieve specific memories and information, it also tested whether archaeological collections, with their air of mystery, could pique curiosity and create more relaxed opportunities for learning than 20th century collections. Visits were made to 9 memory groups (N=91) attended by people living with dementia and their caregivers. Using a quasi-experimental design, participants explored both physical and 3D digital material dating from prehistoric times to the 1970s. Participants self-rated their wellbeing using a visual emoji system and behaviours were recorded using a new observational tool adapted from the NEF Five Ways to Wellbeing Framework. Quantitative analysis of self-reported wellbeing showed very little change between digital and physical conditions, but in the Five Ways analysis, physical artefact handling significantly improved wellbeing, most clearly in two categories, Keep Learning and Be Active. Greater animation, sustained conversation and playful reactions were noted. Tactile investigation of objects also stimulated procedural memory and embodied communication. This extends previous findings that multisensory experiences result in richer memories. Furthermore, participants expressed wonder at the age of the archaeological material and feelings of connection to their own lives, indicating its clear value in therapeutic programming.