Abstract:
The purpose of this research was to study the result of art activity designed to enhance self-esteem of the elderly in different age groups. The sample of the study was 37 elderly living in Ban Bang Khae Social Welfare Development. They were categorized into 4 groups which are 60-69 years, 70-79 years, 80-89 years and 90-99 years. The duration of the art activities was 5 weeks. The research instruments were 17 lessons of art activities designed to enhance the elderly self-esteem in different age groups referring to John A. Michaels theory work of art, and Coopersmiths self-esteem theory, self-esteem measurement test, the observation inventory, and the questionnaires. The obtained data were analyzed into means, standard deviations compare means and t-test. The research found that self-esteem of all groups of elderly after participating in the art activities were increased at the .05 level of significance. In conclusion, those art activities could be used to promote self-esteem in elderly. The research suggested that: the art activities designed to enhance self-esteem could be effective on the condition that the course instructors need to have the basic knowledge of the art, self-esteem and performance of the elderly in different age groups which finally they would be capable of creating the most appropriate activities in according with their interests. Fun and friendly environment while conducting the activities, moreover, could be considered as an important factor since it could encourage them to express their true ideas and feelings. Furthermore, the art exhibition showing their achievements would be one of the most important factors seeing that it results in the pride among them as being a part of the society.