Research Question: How can museums facilitate object-based learning for independent living community residents?
With the baby boomer generation approaching retirement and the average age of Americans increasing, industries must evolve to serve the growing 55+ population. According to the US Census Bureau, "1 in every 5 residents will be retirement age" by 2030.¹ A larger aging population means more people living in nursing homes, assisted living, and independent living communities.
Traditionally, museum education has focused on school children, and more recently programming has branched out to include 21+ events as well. Now, however, is the time to expand our horizons even further and embrace museum education for all ages, especially for those who may not be able to visit the physical museum on their own. We have one decade before 20% of the population is eligible for retirement, and we must plan for this change in demographics in order to be prepared for the shift in visitorship.
My project will act as a bridge between a Rochester-area museum and local assisted living community. I hope to create a program to bring to residents utilizing a pre-existing teaching collection that can be handled and used to spark conversations. Following the program, I will reflect on the effectiveness of it, and make recommendations based on my experiences for those wishing to host a similar program in the future.
Cited:
¹ Bureau, US Census. “Older People Projected to Outnumber Children.” The United States Census Bureau. Accessed September 23, 2019
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