Torrance And Creativity

The purpose of the assignment was to interview an “elder” member of society to gain valuable information and insight into an individual’s experiences and development, and how they pertain to biosocial, cognitive, and psychosocial development. I had the pleasure of interviewing a woman aged 68, who provided a glimpse of the wisdom she has gained over her lifetime as well as her daily interactions and age-related topics.

I will be presenting part of what I am thinking to write about in the chapter, at the Aging and Society's 6th Interdisciplinary conference in October. If the presentation would not violate the terms of the chapter submission, I would be very happy to contribute to the book.

Creativity drives today’s world, with new technology arriving daily and science conducting itself further. We need creative and imaginative people in today’s atmosphere to bring the world to the next step forward. “Standardized college admissions tests assess only analytical skills, as well as the knowledge base on which they act, and completely ignore creative and practical skills (Sternberg 7)”. Without creative people in this world, where do you think we would be? Not very far. We need practical skills to go throughout everyday life. The standardized tests don’t test for that knowledge base, they test how much short term memory a

The beauty of creativity is that it is abstract, yet ubiquitous: in art, music or how one decides to compose an essay. However, creativity has recently been declining among the human population. According to an article, named, “The Creativity Crisis,” by Newsweek.com in July 2010, authors, Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman, state, “the Torrance Test … indicates that the public’s “creativity quotient” has steadily crept downward since 1990” (Prompt 1). Bronson and Merryman report that the test, which evaluates one’s creativity, had been dispensed to myriads of people across the globe, and have concluded that creativity has been slowly diminishing. Kyung Hee Kim, professor at the College of William and Mary, also comments that this is most prevalent and grave among students from kindergarten through sixth grade (Prompt 1). Consequently, society, or in this case, the world fears that current students and future generations will not be nourished with the creativity required to thrive as individuals, affecting the world as a whole. Ultimately, this poses the question whether a creative thinking class, which solely focuses on the education of creativity, should be taught in the school. This school should impose a creative thinking class, due to the fact creativity is a vital element for the future and is the solution to the creative crisis.

1.9 Describe how diversity (cultural, ethnic, multi generational) and ethics affect the selection of project and programs. Our country and world are staring at a massive generation of people moving into retirement and older adulthood. Americans’ knowledge, perceptions, and awareness of the impact the imminent Baby Boom are generally minimal and/or negative in nature. The production of a series of short films, which will catalyze much needed and long overdue community discussion about the future of aging in America. Developing an interactive online community fueled by these efforts, in turn fueling this movement.

This week, the lecture and additional articles were about the growing number of people reaching late adulthood and the problems that will be created for society. Society is not ready for the influx of elderly individuals needing assistance. In addition to discussing the amount of people reaching late adulthood, this week also touched on several models and theories in regards to aging. This week provided sufficient background information and vital knowledge for the introduction

In addition, Figure 1 shows the number of publications on psychological safety and creativity from 1970-2015. The study of those topics increases year by year. However, it shows only limited studies are addressed in the reputable journals. An opportunity for future study is widely open.

The United States is in the midst of a major demographic shift. People are living longer which means that the population of older adults, those sixty years and over, is growing. It is projected that by the year 2040, older adults will far outnumber school age children. Older adults are currently healthier and lead more productive lives than ever before, due in part to modern medicine and the new idea of seeing older people for their potential rather than their problems. This has prompted the concept of “creative aging” or “successful aging.” This positive view of aging is not new, only the terminology. Cicero, the Roman philosopher, is perhaps the first to introduce the idea of “good aging” in his essay, “On Old Age” which was penned in the year 44 BC. He wrote this essay in his early 60’s to show that old age is not a phase of decline and loss, and if approached properly becomes a time for positive change and productive functioning (Baltes & Baltes, 1990). Over the last few decades the subject of

assessment of one’s own strengths and limitations (Jeste & Oswald, 2014). Apart from these, in comparison with young and mid-life adults, older adults perceive that their stressors in life are less severe (Jeste & Oswald, 2014). In light of these, finding the path to this sense of well-being among aging populations is an important rationale for any study or undertaking, including, this practicum. In addition to these, the educational plan behind this practicum is that, after completion of this Gerontology course, to enroll in an Occupational Therapy program for the end goal of combining both disciplines in helping elderly individuals live an independent and productive life.

This year, March winds blew Linda McDonald our way to fill the Director of Aging Services empty seat. Like Mary Poppins, she drifted in with a suitcase full of knowledge. She unpacked and delighted us with her experience in graphic design, photography, marketing, and publishing. She developed and coordinated programs, managed public relations, and worked with disabled individuals and their families. Much enjoyment was derived in research and helping others find answers. The new director’s position suited her, for she thrives working with older adults. Letting seniors know they are a vital part of our community, and they haven’t been forgotten was a passion for Linda.

Beliefs of being needy, hopeless, senile, inactive is its theme; in other words older adults are far less valuable than their youthful counterparts; a stereotypical idea acquired prior to one becoming old. Positive images of aging influences younger people view of later life by challenging stereotypes that were aforesaid. Furthermore, it serves as a breeding ground for successful aging. Images reflecting the older adult having a degree of control over their environment, actively participating in life through interactions or helping others contests notions that older adults are needy.

Combining competent research and vibrant literary works does provide more knowledge and insight into the meaning of aging. The combination of art and research is useful in my work because vibrant literacy provides a personal lens eye view of the aging process. Literacy to me is richer and more meaningful when it comes from the perspective of a writer who is experiencing what her she is writing about, versus research only. According to Wyatt-Brown, “Readers can take comfort in the knowledge that others have experienced the struggle that feel so threatening, painful and never-ending.” (p.57). Even if the literacy is fictitious, it holds more weight when coming from someone with a lifetime of experiences.

According to Baird and colleagues, mind wandering can enhance creativity goals and problems that were encountered. Creativity finds solutions that are novel, and high quality (Matlin, 2009). J.P. Guilford researched how we measure creativity. Creativity should be measured by divergent production. This research demonstrates the number of different responses that are made for each test item (Matlin, 2009).

Anna Freud once said, “Creative minds have always been known to survive any kind of bad training.” This quote makes absolute sense. If something is bad creative minds come up with ideas to make it fun or interesting instead of boring and ordinary. This is also proven by the fact that several people are raised in negative situations and yet still lead successful lives. This can also be said about non creative minds. If a person gets everything given to them such as a rich person, they don’t have to work towards a goal and do not have to come up with any new ways to do anything. Anna Freud accomplished a lot through her life time from her childhood until her death and even after.

The literatures confirm that this methodology has many benefits. In a program promoted by Basting A., she encouraged the older adults to use their imaginations, and express themselves using whatever tools they have at their disposal. The participants, included people with dementia, use simple movements, sounds, objects, or words to express themselves through creative storytelling. Others may tell the world about themselves singing, dancing, acting, writing, painting, or drawing. The rationale for using the arts in the form of dancing and writing, are utilized in so much as they can highlight the talents and potential for creativity that older adults still possess. In the process of so doing, it acts to minimize the losses that come with old age, and help the elder participant gain a sense of physical and emotional enrichment. In the process, it makes the elderly participants feel better both physically and