An interdisciplinary-vision for creativity and creative problem solving: A health science perspective in regional Australia

A study of the effects of an enhancement program on the mental health and well-being of well older adults over 65 years of age was conducted in Albury, NSW, Australia. The program involved a 12 week program for 100 participants. It included a core creative problem solving (CPS) component within which learning was achieved through small group learning involving everyday activities. Information on neuroscience was included to complement the CPS training, as well as creative expressive activities, drawing and creative writing, quizzes, puzzles, dialogue and debate. Preliminary results showed that participating in the creativity program impacted positively on the participants' mental health and well-being. The participants' descriptions give further understanding for specific tasks and about the general relation between positive mental health dimensions and creativity. It is anticipated that the results from the overall study will contribute to the evidence investigating the impact of creativity on mental health and well-being.