Stories of Emotional Well-Being: Older Adults and Caregivers Engaging in a Museum-Based Social Prescription

Stories of Emotional Well-Being: Older Adults and Caregivers Engaging in a Museum-Based Social Prescription | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Stories of Emotional Well-Being: Older Adults and Caregivers Engaging in a Museum-Based Social Prescription Supalak Khemthong, Chewasit Boonyakiet, Winai Chatthong This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-7715066/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Objectives: This study examined how a museum visit could function as a non-clinical, emotionally resonant setting for older adults and their caregivers, highlighting its potential as a museum-based social prescribing intervention. We aimed to explore how photo-elicited narratives and reflective storytelling revealed emotional engagement, cultural identity, and intergenerational connection. Methods: Sixteen elder–caregiver dyads (N = 32) visited six curated galleries at a public museum, photographing moments or objects they found personally meaningful. Each participant selected one image for a semi-structured narrative interview reflecting on its emotional and relational significance. Interviews were transcribed and thematically analyzed. Observational field notes captured non-verbal expressions and inter-dyadic interactions during storytelling. Results: Four core themes emerged: Cultural Anchoring, Civic Consciousness, Nostalgia of Childhood, and Intergenerational Affection. Narratives and observations revealed emotional resonance, spiritual grounding, and shared gratitude. While generational differences shaped meaning-making, the shared experience fostered mutual reflection and empathy. Conclusion: Museum-based social prescribing may enhance emotional well-being, healthy aging literacy, and intergenerational connection. These findings suggest that cultural spaces can function as emotionally supportive, non-clinical environments that promote mental health and relational engagement for older adults and their caregivers. Psychiatry Media Studies Preventive Medicine Creative aging Emotional well-being Intergenerational connection Museum engagement Social prescribing Photo-elicited narrative Healthy aging literacy Introduction In Thailand, the proportion of older adults in the population is growing rapidly, making aging and intergenerational relationships central to the social fabric. Amid this demographic transition, supporting emotional well-being, preserving identity, and strengthening intergenerational bonds have become urgent priorities. While healthcare and social services remain essential, there is growing recognition of the need for holistic, non-clinical approaches that address the emotional and cultural dimensions of aging (Miki et al., 2024 ). Cultural institutions—particularly museums—are increasingly recognized as reflective and therapeutic spaces where older adults and their caregivers can connect, reflect, and co-create meaning through shared cultural experiences (Šveb Dragija & Jelinčić, 2022 ). These spaces offer opportunities to integrate heritage, memory, and relational engagement into mental health promotion—particularly in contexts where intergenerational caregiving is vital. Social prescribing has emerged as a promising strategy to bridge primary care and community-based services that support mental health and well-being (World Health Organization, 2022 ). While gaining traction globally, evidence for its cognitive and emotional benefits among older adults remains limited. A systematic review by Percival et al. ( 2022 ) found that only 7 of 69 studies showed clearly demonstrated outcomes, with most focusing narrowly on mental health. Additional reviews by Ashe et al. ( 2024 ) and Ghogomu et al. ( 2024 ) highlight the limited use of cognitive or neurophysiological outcomes in assessing such interventions. The National Academy for Social Prescribing (2023) has emphasized the value of cross-sector collaborations—including partnerships between cultural institutions and healthcare professionals—to address these gaps. Heritage- and arts-based models, in particular, have shown promise in enhancing emotional memory, social identity, and relational well-being in aging populations (Fancourt & Finn, 2020 ; Dadswell & Bungay, 2025 ). Recent global aging strategies increasingly emphasize not only healthcare delivery but also the development of age-friendly environments that support mental and social well-being. The WHO Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030) outlines priorities such as combating ageism, integrated care, and creating communities that foster capabilities in older people. Within this paradigm, arts and cultural institutions are gaining recognition as potential assets in multisectoral aging policy, especially when linked with community mental health initiatives and social prescribing pathways. This study explores how older adults and their caregivers experienced a visit to Museum Siam in Bangkok, focusing on the emotional, cultural, and intergenerational significance of their engagement. Through the use of photo-elicited narratives and selected photographs, we examine how museum-based experiences contribute to emotional well-being, identity expression, and creative aging. This approach builds on the understanding that visual storytelling can elicit deeper memory recall and personal meaning—particularly among older individuals—allowing access to values, identity, and emotions often not reached in clinical interviews (Copes et al., 2018 ). Later life is often marked by reflection, identity reconstruction, and adaptation shaped by accumulated life experiences. Literature on creative aging emphasizes the role of emotional and social engagement in supporting psychological well-being and a sense of purpose (Aula & Masoodian, 2025 ; Cohen, 2006 ). There is increasing interest in environments that can support older adults and caregivers alike—especially those fostering creativity, memory, and intergenerational connection (Chacur et al., 2024 ). Museums offer a distinctive setting to support these dimensions. No longer viewed solely as repositories of artifacts, museums are now seen as cultural environments that promote emotional resonance, narrative meaning-making, and generational dialogue (Hooper-Greenhill, 2020; Soares, 2020 ). The sensory richness and symbolic depth of exhibitions can activate autobiographical memory, reinforce cultural identity, and foster relational experiences (Falk & Dierking, 2016; Roppola, 2012 ), enhancing one’s sense of belonging and emotional grounding (Addis et al., 2024; Jelinčić & Šveb, 2021 ). Beyond memory activation, museums also serve as emotionally safe environments for identity exploration, especially in later life. As Chatterjee and Camic ( 2015 ) argue, cultural spaces may facilitate healing and empathy through shared heritage interpretation. Advances in immersive technologies, such as holography, further amplify emotional and cognitive engagement by providing multisensory, spatially embodied experiences that stimulate curiosity, reflection, and narrative immersion (Barabas & Bove, 2013; Xu et al., 2025 ). These experiences align with Green and Brock’s ( 2000 ) theory of narrative transportation, and Falk and Dierking’s (2016) contextual model of museum learning, which emphasizes the interplay of personal, social, and physical environments. Moreover, the concept of “everyday creativity” (or "little-c creativity") has emerged as a key construct in aging research, highlighting the value of simple, accessible acts such as storytelling, photography, and cultural reflection in fostering emotional resilience and identity expression (Cohen, 2006 ; Aula & Masoodian, 2025 ). These acts support relational well-being—understood as the interconnectedness of personal, social, and cultural flourishing (White, 2017 ). Unlike elite creative pursuits, these expressions are grounded in lived experience and have been linked to mood improvement, autonomy, and intergenerational understanding, particularly in community-based settings like museums. Despite growing interest, there remains a lack of empirical research on how older adults and caregivers informally engage with heritage in real-world, non-clinical environments. Few studies have investigated how shared experiences in such spaces facilitate emotional expression, identity construction, or relational dialogue. However, new international findings offer encouraging directions. Yi et al. ( 2024 ) demonstrated that immersive museum environments can support cognitive stimulation in older adults with mild impairment, while Zhu et al. ( 2024 ) found that digital storytelling improved social engagement and emotional well-being. Addressing this gap requires qualitative designs that prioritize lived experience, subjective meaning, and co-created narratives (Stickley et al., 2021 ). Narrative and arts-based methods are especially well-suited to uncovering how older adults and caregivers make sense of shared cultural experiences (Roh & Weon, 2022 ). These methods offer insight into how spaces like museums can enhance emotional resilience and social inclusion in later life (Ward et al., 2020 ). Recognizing that emotional well-being is shaped by memory, cultural identity, and intergenerational reflection, this study centers the voices of elder–caregiver dyads as they interpret their experience through storytelling and photography. This study addresses the following questions: How do older adults and their caregivers articulate emotional engagement and well-being in a museum setting through photo-elicited narratives? What recurring themes reflect personal, cultural, and intergenerational meaning? In what ways do these narratives illustrate the potential of museums to serve as spaces for reflection, connection, and creative aging? Methods This study forms part of a larger research project investigating how engagement with museum exhibitions can promote well-being and creative aging through both emotional-cognitive reflection and neurophysiological responses. The broader project explores how older adults and their caregivers experience and interpret museum visits, and how these experiences manifest in both narrative expression and brainwave patterns, as measured by electroencephalography (EEG) during storytelling tasks. Study Context and Perspective This research was conducted at Museum Siam, a public museum operated by the National Discovery Museum Institute (NDMI) under the Office of Knowledge Management and Development (OKMD). Renowned for its interactive, narrative-driven exhibitions, Museum Siam explores themes related to Thai identity, history, and culture in ways that invite personal reflection, emotional engagement, and intergenerational dialogue. For this study, six galleries were purposefully selected based on their alignment with the research aims and their accessibility for older adults and caregivers. Each gallery presented distinct yet interconnected dimensions of Thai heritage, offering rich opportunities for personal resonance and shared meaning-making. The selected galleries are briefly described below: Thai Tangtae Koet (Defining Thainess) — Showcases symbolic objects and exhibits representing the essence of Thainess across historical periods, encouraging visitors to reflect on the evolving nature of Thai identity. Thai Alangkan (Magnificently Thai) — Replicates the grandeur of royal staterooms and throne halls, emphasizing the aesthetics of Thai architecture and fine arts while conveying beliefs rooted in Buddhism and Hinduism that position the monarchy as a central institution in Thai society. Thai Witthaya (Lesson in Thainess) — Reconstructs classrooms from four distinct eras, illustrating how Thai education has shaped nationalism and responded to evolving economic, political, and social contexts through curricula, music, and pedagogical practices. Thai Chim (Taste of Thai) — Features a live kitchen demonstration and interactive media that highlight the origins and cultural significance of iconic Thai dishes, offering a sensory-rich encounter with culinary heritage. Thai Chuea (Thai Beliefs) — Displays over 108 artifacts reflecting a wide spectrum of spiritual and cultural beliefs—from ghosts and folk practices to Buddhism and Hinduism—alongside participatory elements such as fortune telling and predictive activities. Thai Chae (Thai Studio) — A photographic studio where visitors can dress in period costumes and choose themed backdrops and props, allowing them to create personalized portraits that express their relationship with Thai history and identity. These galleries were selected for their capacity to evoke personal memories, stimulate reflection, and foster intergenerational conversation. Their design and content aligned closely with the study’s focus on emotional engagement, cultural identity, and creative aging. The narratives and emotional responses elicited within these settings provide valuable insights into how museums can serve as spaces that support well-being, foster connection, and promote meaningful cultural engagement (Aula & Masoodian, 2023; Cohen, 2006). Participants and Procedure A total of 16 dyads, each consisting of an older adult and their caregiver (N = 32), were recruited for the study. Each dyad participated in a shared museum visit lasting approximately one hour. During their visit, participants were free to explore all six selected galleries at their own pace. In each gallery, they were asked to take one photograph of an object, space, or moment that they found especially meaningful or memorable. Following the museum visit, participants were invited to choose the single photograph they considered most significant. They then engaged in a semi-structured narrative interview, during which they explained their selected image and discussed how it reflected their sense of well-being, personal identity, or emotional state. These narratives were audio-recorded and subsequently transcribed verbatim for qualitative analysis. In addition to the narrative data analyzed in this paper, EEG data were collected during the storytelling sessions as part of a broader investigation into the neurophysiological dimensions of emotional engagement. Analysis of the EEG data will be reported in a subsequent publication. All participants provided informed consent prior to data collection. The study was approved by the Mahidol University Central Institutional Review Board (MU-CIRB), Certificate of Approval No. MU-CIRB 2025/142.0105. Data Collection Data for this study were collected through three complementary sources: participant photographs, narrative interviews, and observational field notes. After exploring the museum galleries, each participant selected one photograph from the six they had taken—they found most meaningful resonant. Participants then engaged in a semi-structured narrative interview, during which they explained their selection and reflected on how it related to their well-being, sense of identity, and emotional experience. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim for analysis. The photo-elicitation method was intentionally selected to anchor participants’ narratives in concrete, visual stimuli, thereby facilitating richer and more emotionally engaged responses (Lin et al., 2025; Xu et al, 2025). In addition to the verbal and visual data, the lead researcher maintained detailed observational field notes throughout the narrative sessions. These notes captured participants’ non-verbal expressions—such as smiles, tears, gestures, and pauses—as well as spontaneous inter-dyadic dialogues and interactions occurring outside the structured prompts. This observational layer added valuable contextual depth, revealing moments of emotional release, intergenerational bonding, and diverse interpretations that were not always fully articulated in speech. Together, these three data sources provided a multidimensional view of participants’ engagement with the museum experience. Data Analysis Thematic analysis was conducted on participants’ narratives, informed by literature on creative aging and museum learning (Hooper-Greenhill, 2020; Roppola, 2012; Aula & Masoodian, 2023). Drawing on the conceptual frameworks of narrative transportation (Green & Brock, 2000) and relational well-being (White, 2017), Core themes that recurred across the dataset were identified. Narratives were coded inductively, with careful attention to the emotions expressed, the symbolism embedded in participants’ reflections, and the relational dynamics evident in the dyads’ stories. Coding was iterative, and patterns were refined through close reading and constant comparison to ensure analytic rigor. The research team remained sensitive to power dynamics between elders and caregivers, ensuring that both voices were equally honored during the interviews. Bilingual translation and participant review were used where appropriate to preserve nuance in meaning. The use of photo-elicitation was especially important in enabling participants to express themselves nonverbally or through imagery, a consideration particularly relevant in aging populations where verbal articulation may be affected by cognitive or emotional factors (Copes et al., 2018). For data management and analysis, each participant dyad was labeled using the prefix “NDMI,” referring to the National Discovery Museum Institute—the research site and partner institution. Dyads were numbered sequentially (S), and individuals were further identified as elder (E) or caregiver (C). Researcher Positionality The authors approached this study with a shared understanding that museums function as more than repositories of knowledge; they are also emotionally charged spaces that can foster healing, creativity, and connection across generations (Soares, 2020; Aula & Masoodian, 2023). This perspective informed both the design and interpretation of the study, particularly the emphasis on subjective narratives as primary data for understanding how museum engagement supports well-being and creative aging (Falk & Dierking, 2016; Xu et al, 2025). Recognizing the researchers’ own roles as psychosocial occupational therapists and museum collaborators, reflexivity was maintained throughout data collection and analysis. Interpretations were grounded in participants’ voices while remaining sensitive to cultural, relational, and spiritual nuances expressed in both verbal and non-verbal forms. Results This section presents the findings from the qualitative analysis of 16 dyads (32 participants). Their experiences of engaging with the museum were explored through two complementary lenses: photo-elicited narratives and observational insights recorded during the visit and storytelling sessions. Together, these data sources reveal how older adults and their caregivers expressed emotional connections, personal memories, and cultural values—embodied not only in spoken narratives but also in their gestures, interactions, and emotional responses. The results are presented in two subsections. The first outlines the four major narrative themes that emerged from participants’ reflections: Cultural Anchoring, Civic Consciousness, Nostalgia of Childhood, and Intergenerational Affection. The second highlights key observational insights that deepened and contextualized the narrative findings. Narrative Themes During analysis, narrative and observational data were coded using descriptive labels—such as “Buddha” or “faith” for spiritual comfort, and “school” or “friends” for childhood memories. These initial codes were then grouped into broader thematic categories through iterative comparison. The resulting four themes offer a conceptual framework that captures the diverse yet interconnected dimensions of participants’ engagement. Table 1 summarizes the frequency and keywords associated with each theme. These key terms were derived inductively from transcripts, field notes, and photographs, reflecting emotional tone, symbolic references, and relational dynamics. Table 1. Emergent Themes, Participant Distribution, and Key Words/Phrases Theme No. of Participants Expressed Each Theme Key Words / Phrases Cultural Anchoring 17 “Buddha,” “faith,” “calm,” “King,” “watching over me,” “comfort,” “temple,” “security” Civic Consciousness 12 “pride,” “Thai,” “righteousness,” “Democracy Monument,” “citizen,” “nation,” “duty,” “responsibility” Nostalgia of Childhood 11 “school,” “friends,” “textbook,” “carefree,” “happy,” “childhood,” “learning,” “teacher” Intergenerational Affection 14 “daughter,” “mother,” “together,” “gratitude,” “loved,” “time spent,” “smile,” “care” Each theme was reflected across multiple narratives, with many participants’ stories touching on more than one theme. The four themes are described as follows: Cultural Anchoring : Emotional Comfort and Identity The most prevalent theme, Cultural Anchoring , was expressed by 17 participants. This theme encompassed feelings of identity, continuity, and reassurance grounded in cultural and religious symbolism. Participants frequently selected photographs of Buddhist statues, royal portraits, or sacred sites, describing these images as sources of emotional security and moral grounding. For example, NDMI-E-007 stated, “Every time I see the Buddha statue, I feel calm and reassured. It’s like having someone watch over me,” while NDMI-C-007 shared, “When I feel lost or burdened, I think of the Buddha or the King—it gives me strength.” Several elder–caregiver dyads selected exhibits displaying national symbols, civic mottos, or historic imagery. NDMI-E-012 reflected on the origin of Thai identity through a historic flag, saying, “Being Thai began right here… beginnings may be fixed, but the end may never come.” Meanwhile, NDMI-C-012 became tearful upon seeing the phrase “We will govern the land with righteousness,” stating, “Without that principle, we wouldn’t have the peace we enjoy today.” These cross-generational responses illustrate how symbolic imagery evoked both philosophical and emotional dimensions of civic consciousness. Importantly, these narratives were not simply nostalgic but demonstrated active meaning-making. Elders often framed their reflections within a continuum of generativity —a desire to pass on cultural wisdom, spiritual values, and social ethics to the younger generation. NDMI-E010 shared pride in having lived through different eras, while NDMI-C-010 recalled her mother’s influence: “Seeing this photo made me think of the hairpin she used to clip in my hair. I miss her.” Such exchanges show how cultural pride and moral responsibility were transmitted relationally, reinforcing the role of the museum as a space for intergenerational moral reflection and emotional inheritance. Civic Consciousness: Generativity and Moral Continuity Twelve participants articulated themes of Civic Consciousness , expressing pride in Thai history, social responsibility, and their roles as citizens. Exhibits that depicted historical milestones, national symbols, and political change evoked strong emotional responses. One older adult (NDMI-E-012) stated, “I’m proud to be Thai. Seeing the phrase ‘We will govern the land with righteousness’ brought tears to my eyes—because without it, we wouldn’t have the peace we enjoy today.” A caregiver (NDMI-C-008) recalled the Democracy Monument exhibit: “It took me back to when I was a child, waiting for my mother during the protests.” These reflections suggest that the museum served as a space for civic reflection and historical consciousness, allowing both generations to connect personal memory with collective identity. The theme of Civic Consciousness extended beyond expressions of patriotism—it revealed how participants connected personal histories with national ideals and moral continuity. Elders frequently invoked a sense of duty to future generations, suggesting that cultural memory was a resource not only for reflection but also for transmission. For instance, one participant reflected, “I want the younger ones to see this and feel grateful, like we did” (NDMI-E-011). Another remarked on emotional pride, “No king, no country. That’s how I see it” (NDMI-E-009), linking monarchy to identity. These expressions echo the concept of generativity—the desire to guide and nurture the next generation—as a key psychosocial task in later life. Museums appeared to act as prompts for this generative impulse, supporting what some describe as moral continuity across generations. By engaging with symbols of justice, sacrifice, and governance, participants reframed personal memories as part of a larger civic narrative. Nostalgia of Childhood: Neuropsychological Grounding of Reminiscence Eleven participants expressed memories aligned with the theme of Nostalgia of Childhood . Photographs of classrooms, schoolbooks, and playful imagery triggered vivid recollections of formative experiences and childhood joy. One older adult (NDMI-E-001) reflected, “Seeing the classroom again reminded me of my school days—carefree, full of laughter with my friends. We still talk sometimes.” A caregiver (NDMI-C-010) added, “That old schoolbook brought me back to when I was learning to read. It was nice to relive that memory.” These stories illustrate the museum’s capacity to act as a portal to personal history and youthful identity. The theme Nostalgia of Childhood illuminated how participants accessed deeply embedded autobiographical memories. Elders described moments of joy, loss, and longing associated with early school life, parental figures, and first encounters with national identity. For example, one elder shared, “Seeing the old classroom brought back the smell of chalk… it was like I was back with my friends” (NDMI-E-005). Another recalled, “The year of 2500 on the blackboard reminded me of someone I miss dearly” (NDMI-E-005, tearfully). Narratives in this theme revealed a consistent emotional tone: warmth, longing, and joy anchored in school settings, early friendships, and maternal care. These recollections often arose from viewing educational objects, old photographs, or classroom dioramas, which appeared to trigger vivid autobiographical memories among elders. Caregivers similarly reflected on shared moments with their parents or grandparents, sometimes emphasizing sensory or embodied memory. This nostalgic recall seemed to offer participants a way to reconnect with foundational aspects of their identity. Rather than being purely sentimental, these stories created opportunities for emotional grounding and affirmation of continuity across the life span. Through shared remembering, dyads expressed tenderness, gratitude, and a mutual recognition of each other’s histories—deepening their intergenerational bond. Intergenerational Affection: Divergence in Meaning-Making Intergenerational Affection emerged in the narratives of 14 participants, highlighting emotional closeness, gratitude, and the significance of shared time between older adults and their caregivers. Many dyads selected photographs capturing their joint presence or moments of visible joy. NDMI-E002 remarked, “I’m thankful my daughter brought me here and showed me things I’d never seen before. It made me feel cared for,” while NDMI-C-002 reflected, “Seeing my mom’s face light up—she was curious, excited, like a child again.” Other dyads echoed similar sentiments. NDMI-C-007 noted, “We don’t usually do things together like this. It was simple happiness, but it meant a lot.” Such reflections reveal the museum experience as more than an outing; it became a shared emotional event that redefined caregiving beyond duty into relational appreciation. The combination of sensory environment and reflective narrative appeared to strengthen mutual understanding and fostered moments of emotional reciprocity often absent in routine caregiving contexts. While many dyads demonstrated shared emotional resonance, several pairs revealed divergent focal points in their interpretations of the museum experience. These intergenerational contrasts offer insight into how older adults and caregivers may prioritize different aspects of cultural engagement. In Dyad NDMI-S01, for instance, the elder reflected on national origin and temporal continuity: “I believe our Thai identity begins here—not Sukhothai, not Ayutthaya, not early Rattanakosin… People begin and end, but the nation, like our flag, may never truly end.” This philosophical view contrasts with the caregiver’s emotionally immediate reaction to a royal phrase: “When I saw the words ‘We will rule with righteousness,’ I felt tears welling up—without it, we wouldn’t live in peace today.” Here, the elder prioritized historical-philosophical reflection, while the caregiver connected to emotional-national gratitude, both rooted in civic consciousness but filtered through different generational lenses. A striking contrast was also observed in Dyad NDMI-S05. The elder expressed deep spiritual reverence: “The Buddha teaches us the way out of suffering… points clearly to the moral path.” In contrast, the caregiver’s narrative focused on playful freedom: “Let grandma be grandma. Let her relax, do what she enjoys… and be allowed to have fun.” This reflects a divergence between the elder’s focus on moral transcendence and the caregiver’s emphasis on psychosocial autonomy and present-moment joy. In Dyad NDMI-S06, the elder described spiritual practices as emotional anchors: “I bow and feel peaceful, as if protected.” Meanwhile, the caregiver offered a more secular, relational frame: “Spending time with mom, seeing her excited and energized, that made me happy.” Although both expressed well-being, their sources of meaning differed—spiritual reassurance for the elder versus relational vitality for the caregiver. These examples underscore that while museum-based social prescription can foster shared experiences, it also allows space for personalized emotional interpretation. Divergences between elders and caregivers often reflected different lived experiences and expectations. However, rather than creating conflict, these contrasts enriched the emotional dialogue, illustrating how intergenerational encounters in cultural spaces can support both individual reflection and relational empathy. Generational Congruence and Dissonance in Dyadic Narratives Across the 16 elder–caregiver dyads, we identified recurring patterns of congruent and divergent reflections within each pair. Using thematic alignment, we classified dyads into two categories: those with generationally congruent interpretations (n = 4) and those with divergent interpretations (n = 12). Congruent pairs (e.g., NDMI-S03, S10, S12, S16) often shared common reflections around patriotism, Buddhist faith, or nostalgic memories, demonstrating shared meaning-making and emotional resonance. For instance, in dyad NDMI-S12, the elder recalled their childhood during King Rama IX’s reign, while the caregiver described a photo of hairpin memories from their mother—both emphasizing intergenerational affection and familial bonding. “While many dyads expressed emotional alignment—especially around themes of nostalgia and gratitude—others revealed subtle intergenerational contrasts. For instance, while caregivers emphasized learning from the elder or reflecting on their caregiving role e.g., One caregiver reflected on her mother’s enjoyment during the visit: “We let Mama be herself… We allowed her to relax, be playful, and enjoy herself.” (translated from Thai) These complementary yet distinct interpretations reflect how emotional meaning-making may diverge even within close familial relationships.” In Dyad NDMI-S12, emotional warmth was anchored in intergenerational memory and affection. The elder recalled: “The past is filled with good memories—from the early eras to the present.” The caregiver complemented this with a tender reflection: “I remember when mom used to clip my hairpins… this photo brings those memories back.” Despite the different framing—historical continuity versus personal care—their narratives intertwined in a shared nostalgic sensibility, affirming the emotional legacy passed down through small, affectionate gestures. While individual narratives varied in focus and expression, several dyads exhibited striking emotional convergence. These shared reflections not only emphasized common themes—such as reverence, nostalgia, and relational gratitude—but also revealed how museum-based social prescription enabled synchronous emotional engagement across generations. In Dyad NDMI-S06, the elder expressed spiritual peace: “I feel at ease when I bow in prayer, as if protected.” The caregiver echoed this emotional tone, describing the shared moment with her mother: “Spending time with mom, seeing her delighted, excited, and energized—it brought me joy.” Though the elder focused on internal tranquility through ritual, and the caregiver on the relational joy of seeing her mother’s positive emotions, both narratives converged on a deeply felt sense of contentment and emotional closeness. Dyad NDMI-S07 also reflected emotional attunement. The elder stated: “When I see the Buddha, I feel peaceful—my heart is calm.” Meanwhile, the caregiver expressed a similar emotional outcome: “It felt good because we rarely do things together… but this time, I felt happy.” Here, the elder’s sense of inner peace and the caregiver’s joy in shared togetherness point to a mutual state of well-being, cultivated through the shared cultural experience. Both perceived the museum as a space for restorative connection. Across these dyads, convergence occurred not because both members used the same language or focused on identical stimuli, but because they recognized each other’s emotional experience as valid and meaningful. This underscores the role of museum-based social prescription in cultivating empathic resonance, enabling older adults and caregivers to meet on common affective ground, even if arriving there via different paths. Observational Insights: Embodied Emotion and Relational Texture Field notes revealed numerous subtle, embodied behaviors that enriched participants’ verbal narratives. These included caregivers placing a gentle hand on an elder’s shoulder during storytelling, or elders shifting posture when recalling emotionally charged memories. In Dyad NDMI-S12, the caregiver leaned forward and quietly held her mother’s hand while she reminisced about her school days, whispering, “I remember you telling me this story before.” In NDMI-S14, the elder turned away from the camera when speaking of a deceased relative, visibly swallowing tears before continuing—illustrating the quiet emotional labor involved in revisiting the past. Other participants also became tearful while reflecting on national or spiritual figures. One elder (NDMI-E-008), recalling King Rama IX, paused repeatedly to compose herself: “Without him, we wouldn’t have what we have today.” In another case, the Buddhist year 2500 displayed in a photograph triggered a flood of memories and visible grief over a lost loved one (NDMI-E-005). Spontaneous dyadic dialogues reflected deep intergenerational appreciation. In NDMI-S08, the caregiver praised her mother’s memory, saying, “You still remember all this! You’re amazing,” to which the elder responded with pride. In another exchange, a daughter reflected on the novelty of the experience, prompting her elder to say with warmth, “You’ve shown me things I never imagined I’d see.” Such comments affirmed the museum’s role as a relational setting for mutual learning and emotional affirmation. Spiritual worldviews also emerged through embodied interactions. In NDMI-S04, a caregiver commented, “Faith helps, but in the end, I rely on myself,” while the elder countered, “Faith has carried me through everything.” These layered exchanges suggest that intergenerational dialogue in cultural settings may surface differences in belief and coping, prompting deeper mutual understanding. A recurring motif across dyads was the recognition of the museum visit as a rare moment of shared intimacy. Several participants noted they had never taken a photo together before or shared reflective moments in this way. One caregiver (NDMI-C-002), looking at their photo, said, “We’ve never done this before. It’s a beautiful memory we’ll keep.” These observations underscore the importance of capturing nonverbal and relational cues in aging research. The museum functioned not only as a site of memory and learning but as a space for embodied connection, reinforcing the therapeutic potential of museum-based social prescription. Psychosocial Concerns: Worry, Burden, and Health Literacy Gaps Beyond expressions of emotional resonance and cultural reflection, several dyads articulated narratives that revealed latent concerns, subtle burdens, or potential gaps in health literacy—particularly regarding emotional coping and role strain. While these concerns were not always foregrounded, they emerged through expressions of worry, longing, or ambivalence about self-reliance and interdependence. In Dyad NDMI-S02, the caregiver expressed a strong belief in self-reliance "One must rely on oneself." It reflects a Buddhist-informed value of self-reliance, often associated with inner strength and personal responsibility in facing life’s challenges, and managing challenges independently. While empowering, such a mindset may suggest a lack of perceived social support or hesitation to seek help—both of which are known barriers to health literacy and caregiver well-being. This contrasts with the elder’s symbolic framing of national belonging, potentially revealing a generational difference in sources of psychological anchoring. Dyad NDMI-S03 revealed traces of longing and loss. The elder described emotional comfort in feeling part of the younger generation, while the caregiver spoke with patriotic pride about returning to give back to the homeland. The emotional tone across both statements hinted at a search for continuity and belonging, possibly reflecting anxieties about aging, role changes, or national identity. In Dyad NDMI-S14, both elder and caregiver reflected on the past with emotional intensity. The elder’s narrative revolved around a deceased relative, while the caregiver expressed a sense of life's constant change and impermanence. The strong orientation toward the past, although meaningful, might suggest unresolved grief or a lack of forward-looking coping resources—components relevant to aging-related mental health. Lastly, Dyad NDMI-S01 showed subtle philosophical divergence. The elder reflected on the symbolism of the national flag and its metaphysical significance (“There is a beginning, but there may not be an end” ), whereas the caregiver emotionally responded to a historical motto (“ We shall rule the land with righteousness ”) to the point of tears. While both narratives evoked national pride, the depth of emotion expressed by the caregiver may indicate unarticulated stress or internalized burden related to civic or familial responsibility. Taken together, these narratives highlight that emotional well-being in museum-based social prescription is not solely about joy and connection—it also uncovers moments of concern, philosophical questioning, and subtle signals of caregiver strain or health literacy limitations. These findings underscore the need to design museum interventions that include space for processing loss, stress, and intergenerational vulnerability, and that incorporate follow-up or referral mechanisms when needed. Exploring Healthy Aging through Photo-Elicited Narratives This study examined how 16 elder–caregiver dyads engaged emotionally and cognitively with museum exhibits through the lens of photo-elicitation and storytelling. From the 32 selected photographs, five key patterns emerged that reflect mutual meaning-making, cultural resonance, and the therapeutic potential of museum-based social prescription. Most dyads (12 of 16) demonstrated alignment between their selected photographs and accompanying narratives. Shared emotional interpretations often centered on spirituality, nostalgia, maternal bonding, or national pride. For example, in Dyad NDMI-S06, the elder reflected, “I felt at peace praying,” while the caregiver expressed joy in seeing her mother happy and energized—revealing both individual and relational benefits of the museum visit. However, several pairs (e.g., NDMI-S01, S04, S05) displayed divergent emphases. Elders typically focused on spiritual meaning or historical continuity, whereas caregivers spoke of autonomy, relaxation, or caregiving insight. In Dyad NDMI-S05, the elder said, “The Buddha teaches us the way out of suffering,” while the caregiver emphasized freedom and enjoyment: “Let grandma be grandma… let her enjoy herself.” These contrasts suggest differing emotional needs and perspectives—yet both affirm the visit as a meaningful experience. Room 3 (“ Thai Education ”) and Room 1 (“ Born Thai ”) were most frequently selected, with 9 and 8 images respectively. Exhibits in these rooms—chalkboards, national emblems—served as powerful anchors of memory and identity. Their popularity reinforces the role of educational and cultural heritage as tools for autobiographical reflection and intergenerational dialogue. Golden statements of emotional convergence appeared in dyads like NDMI-S06, S07, and S12. These moments illustrated affective resonance, shared memories, and deep interpersonal connection. In S12, for instance, both participants reflected on childhood and maternal affection, affirming the role of the museum as a site of relational healing and mutual appreciation. Though less prominent, narratives from some caregivers revealed subtle expressions of burden, worry, or emotional labor. Dyad S04’s caregiver noted, “I believe in depending on myself,” hinting at caregiving fatigue and limited social support. In S13, a caregiver recalled domestic responsibilities inherited after bereavement, describing the kitchen as a source of emotional tension. These accounts highlight how non-clinical settings can surface and potentially ease latent caregiving challenges. Overall, this study affirms the museum as a relational space supporting both healthy aging (through emotional well-being, identity continuity, and autonomy) and creative aging (through storytelling, memory activation, and cultural self-expression). By integrating real-world visuals and reflective dialogue, the intervention functioned as a low-barrier, culturally relevant platform for “museum-based social prescription.” Discussion This study examined how museum-based engagement supported emotional well-being and relational connection among older adults and their caregivers. Four themes—Cultural Anchoring, Civic Consciousness, Nostalgia of Childhood, and Intergenerational Affection—captured the diverse ways participants engaged emotionally and reflectively with curated exhibits. These findings highlight how museums can serve not only as cultural institutions but also as psychosocial spaces that promote well-being through storytelling, sensory memory, and shared reflection. Addressing the Research Questions These findings clearly address our research questions. First, older adults and caregivers expressed emotional engagement and well-being through reflective narratives centered on cultural memory, gratitude, and identity. Second, thematic analysis revealed four recurring themes—Cultural Anchoring, Civic Consciousness, Nostalgia of Childhood, and Intergenerational Affection—illustrating shared and divergent personal, cultural, and generational meanings. Finally, the emotionally rich, multisensory, and narrative-driven experiences suggest that museums can serve as relationally grounded environments for reflection, empathy, and creative aging. Interpretation in Light of Theory and Literature The emergent themes align with existing literature on emotional engagement, narrative transportation, and creative aging. Participants’ expressions of cultural pride and spiritual grounding reflected the restorative role of symbolic artifacts in aging well (Aula & Masoodian, 2023; Jelinčić & Šveb, 2021 ). Reflections on national history and social identity supported prior findings that museums can facilitate civic empathy and historical continuity (Soares, 2020 ; Hooper-Greenhill, 2020). Reminiscences of childhood further exemplified how museum spaces evoke autobiographical memory and strengthen identity construction (Falk & Dierking, 2016). Intergenerational Affection emerged as a particularly powerful theme, echoing Cohen’s ( 2006 ) work on the relational benefits of creative engagement. Observations of participants tearing up or expressing gratitude support Green and Brock’s ( 2000 ) theory of narrative transportation—participants were emotionally immersed in stories that bridged memory, meaning, and identity. From a neuropsychological perspective, childhood nostalgia supports more than sentiment—it aids emotional regulation and identity coherence. According to Addis and Szpunar ( 2024 ), autobiographical recall activates the brain’s default mode network (DMN), which governs self-referential thinking and emotional balance. In this study, participants’ reflections engaged memory and neural processes linked to well-being, suggesting that museum-based storytelling may foster resilience by helping individuals construct meaningful, emotionally coherent life narratives. Generational contrasts also surfaced. Elders frequently emphasized spiritual connection and nostalgia, while caregivers sometimes framed their engagement around learning and caregiving pride. Despite these differences, both groups found emotional meaning and mutual appreciation in the shared experience, suggesting that museums can function as sites of intergenerational empathy and informal dialogue. These moments underscore the museum’s capacity for introspection and memory, aligning with narrative transportation theory (Green & Brock, 2000 ). For instance, several elders described nostalgic experiences of schooling and civic pride as emotionally grounding. This mirrors literature on reminiscence therapy, which suggests that revisiting formative social environments may activate emotional memory networks and contribute to identity continuity in older adults (Addis & Szpunar, 2024 ; Bareither, 2021 ). Such reflections may also reinforce civic values and intergenerational narratives, contributing to psychological integration in later life. Intergenerational Similarities and Differences This dyadic analysis revealed that while some elder–caregiver pairs expressed similar values and emotional responses, many others exhibited generational dissonance. These contrasts reflected differing life roles and perspectives—elders tended to frame their experiences around spirituality, national identity, and life review, while caregivers often reflected on support, admiration, or practical care. Such findings affirm previous research highlighting the complexity of intergenerational relationships in late life care (Ward et al., 2020 ; Stickley et al., 2021 ). They also suggest that museum-based social prescription can function as a flexible platform to bridge generational differences, fostering empathy, mutual learning, and emotional reciprocity. These findings also resonate with Fancourt and Finn’s ( 2020 ) framework, which identifies cultural engagement as contributing to multiple health pathways—psychological, behavioral, and social. The potential of museums to generate co-benefits across caregiver and elder dyads situates them as promising tools in integrated mental health promotion. The alignment with WHO’s Healthy Ageing domains, including “meaningful relationships” and “ability to contribute,” suggests museum-based programs may offer scalable value within broader gerontological systems. Implications for Mental Health, Aging Literacy, and Practice These findings reinforce the role of cultural engagement as a non-clinical mental health strategy. Participants revealed stress relief, emotional expression, and relational renewal—key to resilience in aging. For caregivers, shared participation helped validate their role and enabled emotional connection beyond task-oriented care. This aligns with growing international recognition of social prescribing as a strategy to support older adults' mental health and community participation (World Health Organization, 2022 ; NASP, 2023). However, recent reviews show that many existing interventions remain limited in scale and scope, with few rigorously assessing cognitive or neurophysiological outcomes (Percival et al., 2022 ; Ashe et al., 2024 ; Ghogomu et al., 2024 ). Museum-based social prescription could fill this gap, offering an accessible and culturally grounded platform for mental health promotion. The visit encouraged reflection on values, independence, belief systems, and relational gratitude—components of healthy aging literacy. Through photos and dialogue, participants demonstrated intuitive understandings of emotional well-being and identity negotiation, suggesting that museums can informally promote psychosocial education for both elders and caregivers. Prior studies from Asia and Australia also affirm the role of immersive museum settings and digital storytelling in fostering connection and dignity among people with cognitive impairment (Yi et al., 2024 ; Zhu et al., 2024 ). For museum professionals, these findings offer practical guidance: exhibitions should include opportunities for personal storytelling, multi-sensory engagement, and intergenerational participation. For occupational therapists and aging service providers, this study models a scalable, low-barrier museum-based social prescription that centers emotional experience in culturally relevant settings. Study Limitations This study involved 16 elder–caregiver dyads visiting a single urban museum in Bangkok, which limits the generalizability of findings. While the qualitative narratives were rich and emotionally nuanced, the sample was relatively homogenous in terms of cultural background, education, and urban experience. Elders and caregivers in rural or diverse settings may offer different perspectives. Additionally, although this paper focused on the qualitative component, the broader study includes neurophysiological data, which was not analyzed here but may offer complementary insight into the cognitive-emotional mechanisms of engagement. Future Directions Future research should explore the scalability of museum-based social prescription in diverse settings, including rural and under-resourced areas. Further studies may examine how museum design can intentionally support emotional regulation, relational reflection, and inclusive narratives across generational and cultural contexts. Integrating EEG could clarify how narrative immersion and emotional salience correspond with cognitive-affective processes. Implementation studies, guided by frameworks from the World Health Organization ( 2022 ) and the National Academy for Social Prescribing (2023), may assess how museums can partner with mental health and social care systems. This includes evaluating the feasibility of training museum staff, occupational therapists, and community workers to co-deliver structured yet flexible interventions. This study contributes to global discourse on community-based mental health and culturally responsive aging policy. Conclusion This study examined how older adults and their caregivers experienced emotional and relational engagement during a museum visit. Through photo-elicited narratives and field observations, four key themes emerged—Cultural Anchoring, Civic Consciousness, Nostalgia of Childhood, and Intergenerational Affection—each illustrating how museums can support memory, identity, emotional expression, and cross-generational connection. Participants’ reflections revealed that museums served as relational spaces for storytelling, gratitude, and mutual discovery. These findings add to evidence that creative, community-based interventions—especially museum-based social prescription—enhance emotional well-being, aging literacy, and caregiver support in non-clinical settings. By foregrounding lived experience and intergenerational meaning-making, this study deepens current understandings of creative aging and narrative engagement. Such culturally grounded encounters offer scalable complements to mental health services. As part of a broader interdisciplinary project, these qualitative insights set the stage for future integration with neurophysiological data. Looking ahead, museum-based programs may play an increasingly strategic role in public mental health, supporting aging in place, intergenerational empathy, and emotionally resonant community engagement. As countries navigate rising rates of cognitive decline and caregiver burden, museum-based programs present promising avenues for advancing non-clinical mental health strategies. When embedded within broader healthy aging policies—advanced by the WHO Decade of Healthy Ageing and national social prescribing models—these programs can extend the reach of public mental health services into culturally meaningful, low-stigma environments. Future practice will benefit from intersectoral partnerships that position museums not only as cultural institutions but as relational health infrastructures capable of sustaining emotional resilience and intergenerational solidarity. Declarations Funding This work was supported by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) under the Research and Innovation Fund for Fiscal Year 2025, Grant No. N84A680470. Ethical Approval This study was approved by the Mahidol University Central Institutional Review Board (MU-CIRB), Certificate of Approval No. MU-CIRB 2025/142.0105. All participants provided written informed consent prior to participation, in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Disclosure Statement The authors report there are no competing interests to declare. Data Availability Statement The data supporting the findings of this study consist of anonymized narrative transcripts and field notes. Due to ethical restrictions regarding participant privacy and consent, these data are not publicly available. Requests for de-identified excerpts may be considered on a case-by-case basis by contacting the corresponding author. Author Contributions Supalak Khemthong conceived the study, secured funding, and revised the manuscript. Winai Chatthong contributed to study design and data collection. Chewasit Boonyakiet made the first drafts, supported participant recruitment, and narrative analysis. All authors reviewed and approved the final version of the manuscript. References Addis, D. R., & Szpunar, K. K. (2024). Beyond the episodic–semantic continuum: The multidimensional model of mental representations. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 379 (1913), 20230408. https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2023.0408 Ashe, M. C., Dos Santos, I. K., Alfares, H., Chudyk, A. M., & Esfandiari, E. (2024). Outcomes and instruments used in social prescribing: A modified umbrella review. Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention in Canada, 44 (6), 244–269. https://doi.org/10.24095/hpcdp.44.6.02 Aula, I., & Masoodian, M. (2025). Creativity and healthy ageing: Future research directions. Journal of Population Ageing, 18 , 63–83. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12062-023-09431-8 Bareither, C. (2021). 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Immersive experiences in museums for elderly with cognitive disorders: A user-centered design approach. Scientific Reports, 14 , 1971. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-51929-4 Zhu, D., Al Mahmud, A., & Liu, W. (2024). Digital storytelling intervention for enhancing the social participation of people with mild cognitive impairment: Co-design and usability study. JMIR Aging, 7 , e54138. https://doi.org/10.2196/54138 Additional Declarations The authors declare no competing interests. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. 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Prescription\u003c/p\u003e","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eIn Thailand, the proportion of older adults in the population is growing rapidly, making aging and intergenerational relationships central to the social fabric. Amid this demographic transition, supporting emotional well-being, preserving identity, and strengthening intergenerational bonds have become urgent priorities. While healthcare and social services remain essential, there is growing recognition of the need for holistic, non-clinical approaches that address the emotional and cultural dimensions of aging (Miki et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e). Cultural institutions\u0026mdash;particularly museums\u0026mdash;are increasingly recognized as reflective and therapeutic spaces where older adults and their caregivers can connect, reflect, and co-create meaning through shared cultural experiences (Šveb Dragija \u0026amp; Jelinčić, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). These spaces offer opportunities to integrate heritage, memory, and relational engagement into mental health promotion\u0026mdash;particularly in contexts where intergenerational caregiving is vital.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSocial prescribing has emerged as a promising strategy to bridge primary care and community-based services that support mental health and well-being (World Health Organization, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). While gaining traction globally, evidence for its cognitive and emotional benefits among older adults remains limited. A systematic review by Percival et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e) found that only 7 of 69 studies showed clearly demonstrated outcomes, with most focusing narrowly on mental health. Additional reviews by Ashe et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e) and Ghogomu et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e) highlight the limited use of cognitive or neurophysiological outcomes in assessing such interventions. The National Academy for Social Prescribing (2023) has emphasized the value of cross-sector collaborations\u0026mdash;including partnerships between cultural institutions and healthcare professionals\u0026mdash;to address these gaps. Heritage- and arts-based models, in particular, have shown promise in enhancing emotional memory, social identity, and relational well-being in aging populations (Fancourt \u0026amp; Finn, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e; Dadswell \u0026amp; Bungay, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2025\u003c/span\u003e). Recent global aging strategies increasingly emphasize not only healthcare delivery but also the development of age-friendly environments that support mental and social well-being. The WHO Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021\u0026ndash;2030) outlines priorities such as combating ageism, integrated care, and creating communities that foster capabilities in older people. Within this paradigm, arts and cultural institutions are gaining recognition as potential assets in multisectoral aging policy, especially when linked with community mental health initiatives and social prescribing pathways.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis study explores how older adults and their caregivers experienced a visit to Museum Siam in Bangkok, focusing on the emotional, cultural, and intergenerational significance of their engagement. Through the use of photo-elicited narratives and selected photographs, we examine how museum-based experiences contribute to emotional well-being, identity expression, and creative aging. This approach builds on the understanding that visual storytelling can elicit deeper memory recall and personal meaning\u0026mdash;particularly among older individuals\u0026mdash;allowing access to values, identity, and emotions often not reached in clinical interviews (Copes et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLater life is often marked by reflection, identity reconstruction, and adaptation shaped by accumulated life experiences. Literature on creative aging emphasizes the role of emotional and social engagement in supporting psychological well-being and a sense of purpose (Aula \u0026amp; Masoodian, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2025\u003c/span\u003e; Cohen, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2006\u003c/span\u003e). There is increasing interest in environments that can support older adults and caregivers alike\u0026mdash;especially those fostering creativity, memory, and intergenerational connection (Chacur et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e). Museums offer a distinctive setting to support these dimensions. No longer viewed solely as repositories of artifacts, museums are now seen as cultural environments that promote emotional resonance, narrative meaning-making, and generational dialogue (Hooper-Greenhill, 2020; Soares, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). The sensory richness and symbolic depth of exhibitions can activate autobiographical memory, reinforce cultural identity, and foster relational experiences (Falk \u0026amp; Dierking, 2016; Roppola, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e), enhancing one\u0026rsquo;s sense of belonging and emotional grounding (Addis et al., 2024; Jelinčić \u0026amp; Šveb, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBeyond memory activation, museums also serve as emotionally safe environments for identity exploration, especially in later life. As Chatterjee and Camic (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e) argue, cultural spaces may facilitate healing and empathy through shared heritage interpretation. Advances in immersive technologies, such as holography, further amplify emotional and cognitive engagement by providing multisensory, spatially embodied experiences that stimulate curiosity, reflection, and narrative immersion (Barabas \u0026amp; Bove, 2013; Xu et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2025\u003c/span\u003e). These experiences align with Green and Brock\u0026rsquo;s (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2000\u003c/span\u003e) theory of narrative transportation, and Falk and Dierking\u0026rsquo;s (2016) contextual model of museum learning, which emphasizes the interplay of personal, social, and physical environments.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMoreover, the concept of \u0026ldquo;everyday creativity\u0026rdquo; (or \"little-c creativity\") has emerged as a key construct in aging research, highlighting the value of simple, accessible acts such as storytelling, photography, and cultural reflection in fostering emotional resilience and identity expression (Cohen, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2006\u003c/span\u003e; Aula \u0026amp; Masoodian, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2025\u003c/span\u003e). These acts support relational well-being\u0026mdash;understood as the interconnectedness of personal, social, and cultural flourishing (White, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e). Unlike elite creative pursuits, these expressions are grounded in lived experience and have been linked to mood improvement, autonomy, and intergenerational understanding, particularly in community-based settings like museums.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDespite growing interest, there remains a lack of empirical research on how older adults and caregivers informally engage with heritage in real-world, non-clinical environments. Few studies have investigated how shared experiences in such spaces facilitate emotional expression, identity construction, or relational dialogue. However, new international findings offer encouraging directions. Yi et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e) demonstrated that immersive museum environments can support cognitive stimulation in older adults with mild impairment, while Zhu et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e) found that digital storytelling improved social engagement and emotional well-being.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAddressing this gap requires qualitative designs that prioritize lived experience, subjective meaning, and co-created narratives (Stickley et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e). Narrative and arts-based methods are especially well-suited to uncovering how older adults and caregivers make sense of shared cultural experiences (Roh \u0026amp; Weon, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). These methods offer insight into how spaces like museums can enhance emotional resilience and social inclusion in later life (Ward et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). Recognizing that emotional well-being is shaped by memory, cultural identity, and intergenerational reflection, this study centers the voices of elder\u0026ndash;caregiver dyads as they interpret their experience through storytelling and photography.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis study addresses the following questions:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eHow do older adults and their caregivers articulate emotional engagement and well-being in a museum setting through photo-elicited narratives?\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat recurring themes reflect personal, cultural, and intergenerational meaning?\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn what ways do these narratives illustrate the potential of museums to serve as spaces for reflection, connection, and creative aging?\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Methods","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study forms part of a larger research project investigating how engagement with museum exhibitions can promote well-being and creative aging through both emotional-cognitive reflection and neurophysiological responses. The broader project explores how older adults and their caregivers experience and interpret museum visits, and how these experiences manifest in both narrative expression and brainwave patterns, as measured by electroencephalography (EEG) during storytelling tasks.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eStudy Context and Perspective\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis research was conducted at Museum Siam, a public museum operated by the National Discovery Museum Institute (NDMI) under the Office of Knowledge Management and Development (OKMD). Renowned for its interactive, narrative-driven exhibitions, Museum Siam explores themes related to Thai identity, history, and culture in ways that invite personal reflection, emotional engagement, and intergenerational dialogue.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor this study, six galleries were purposefully selected based on their alignment with the research aims and their accessibility for older adults and caregivers. Each gallery presented distinct yet interconnected dimensions of Thai heritage, offering rich opportunities for personal resonance and shared meaning-making. The selected galleries are briefly described below:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003col start=\"1\" type=\"1\"\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eThai Tangtae Koet (Defining Thainess) \u0026mdash; Showcases symbolic objects and exhibits representing the essence of Thainess across historical periods, encouraging visitors to reflect on the evolving nature of Thai identity.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eThai Alangkan (Magnificently Thai) \u0026mdash; Replicates the grandeur of royal staterooms and throne halls, emphasizing the aesthetics of Thai architecture and fine arts while conveying beliefs rooted in Buddhism and Hinduism that position the monarchy as a central institution in Thai society.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eThai Witthaya (Lesson in Thainess) \u0026mdash; Reconstructs classrooms from four distinct eras, illustrating how Thai education has shaped nationalism and responded to evolving economic, political, and social contexts through curricula, music, and pedagogical practices.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eThai Chim (Taste of Thai) \u0026mdash; Features a live kitchen demonstration and interactive media that highlight the origins and cultural significance of iconic Thai dishes, offering a sensory-rich encounter with culinary heritage.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eThai Chuea (Thai Beliefs) \u0026mdash; Displays over 108 artifacts reflecting a wide spectrum of spiritual and cultural beliefs\u0026mdash;from ghosts and folk practices to Buddhism and Hinduism\u0026mdash;alongside participatory elements such as fortune telling and predictive activities.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eThai Chae (Thai Studio) \u0026mdash; A photographic studio where visitors can dress in period costumes and choose themed backdrops and props, allowing them to create personalized portraits that express their relationship with Thai history and identity.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese galleries were selected for their capacity to evoke personal memories, stimulate reflection, and foster intergenerational conversation. Their design and content aligned closely with the study\u0026rsquo;s focus on emotional engagement, cultural identity, and creative aging. The narratives and emotional responses elicited within these settings provide valuable insights into how museums can serve as spaces that support well-being, foster connection, and promote meaningful cultural engagement (Aula \u0026amp; Masoodian, 2023; Cohen, 2006).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eParticipants and Procedure\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA total of 16 dyads, each consisting of an older adult and their caregiver (N = 32), were recruited for the study. Each dyad participated in a shared museum visit lasting approximately one hour. During their visit, participants were free to explore all six selected galleries at their own pace. In each gallery, they were asked to take one photograph of an object, space, or moment that they found especially meaningful or memorable.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFollowing the museum visit, participants were invited to choose the single photograph they considered most significant. They then engaged in a semi-structured narrative interview, during which they explained their selected image and discussed how it reflected their sense of well-being, personal identity, or emotional state. These narratives were audio-recorded and subsequently transcribed verbatim for qualitative analysis.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to the narrative data analyzed in this paper, EEG data were collected during the storytelling sessions as part of a broader investigation into the neurophysiological dimensions of emotional engagement. Analysis of the EEG data will be reported in a subsequent publication.\u0026nbsp;All participants provided informed consent prior to data collection. The study was approved by the Mahidol University Central Institutional Review Board (MU-CIRB), Certificate of Approval No. MU-CIRB 2025/142.0105.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eData Collection\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eData for this study were collected through three complementary sources: participant photographs, narrative interviews, and observational field notes. After exploring the museum galleries, each participant selected one photograph from the six they had taken\u0026mdash;they found most meaningful resonant. Participants then engaged in a semi-structured narrative interview, during which they explained their selection and reflected on how it related to their well-being, sense of identity, and emotional experience. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim for analysis.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe photo-elicitation method was intentionally selected to anchor participants\u0026rsquo; narratives in concrete, visual stimuli, thereby facilitating richer and more emotionally engaged responses (Lin et al., 2025; Xu et al, 2025).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to the verbal and visual data, the lead researcher maintained detailed observational field notes throughout the narrative sessions. These notes captured participants\u0026rsquo; non-verbal expressions\u0026mdash;such as smiles, tears, gestures, and pauses\u0026mdash;as well as spontaneous inter-dyadic dialogues and interactions occurring outside the structured prompts. This observational layer added valuable contextual depth, revealing moments of emotional release, intergenerational bonding, and diverse interpretations that were not always fully articulated in speech. Together, these three data sources provided a multidimensional view of participants\u0026rsquo; engagement with the museum experience.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eData Analysis\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThematic analysis was conducted on participants\u0026rsquo; narratives, informed by literature on creative aging and museum learning (Hooper-Greenhill, 2020; Roppola, 2012; Aula \u0026amp; Masoodian, 2023). Drawing on the conceptual frameworks of narrative transportation (Green \u0026amp; Brock, 2000) and relational well-being (White, 2017), Core themes that recurred across the dataset were identified.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNarratives were coded inductively, with careful attention to the emotions expressed, the symbolism embedded in participants\u0026rsquo; reflections, and the relational dynamics evident in the dyads\u0026rsquo; stories. Coding was iterative, and patterns were refined through close reading and constant comparison to ensure analytic rigor. The research team remained sensitive to power dynamics between elders and caregivers, ensuring that both voices were equally honored during the interviews. Bilingual translation and participant review were used where appropriate to preserve nuance in meaning. The use of photo-elicitation was especially important in enabling participants to express themselves nonverbally or through imagery, a consideration particularly relevant in aging populations where verbal articulation may be affected by cognitive or emotional factors (Copes et al., 2018).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor data management and analysis, each participant dyad was labeled using the prefix \u0026ldquo;NDMI,\u0026rdquo; referring to the National Discovery Museum Institute\u0026mdash;the research site and partner institution. Dyads were numbered sequentially (S), and individuals were further identified as elder (E) or caregiver (C).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eResearcher Positionality\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors approached this study with a shared understanding that museums function as more than repositories of knowledge; they are also emotionally charged spaces that can foster healing, creativity, and connection across generations (Soares, 2020; Aula \u0026amp; Masoodian, 2023). This perspective informed both the design and interpretation of the study, particularly the emphasis on subjective narratives as primary data for understanding how museum engagement supports well-being and creative aging (Falk \u0026amp; Dierking, 2016; Xu et al, 2025).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecognizing the researchers\u0026rsquo; own roles as psychosocial occupational therapists and museum collaborators, reflexivity was maintained throughout data collection and analysis. Interpretations were grounded in participants\u0026rsquo; voices while remaining sensitive to cultural, relational, and spiritual nuances expressed in both verbal and non-verbal forms.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Results","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis section presents the findings from the qualitative analysis of 16 dyads (32 participants). Their experiences of engaging with the museum were explored through two complementary lenses: photo-elicited narratives and observational insights recorded during the visit and storytelling sessions. Together, these data sources reveal how older adults and their caregivers expressed emotional connections, personal memories, and cultural values\u0026mdash;embodied not only in spoken narratives but also in their gestures, interactions, and emotional responses.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe results are presented in two subsections. The first outlines the four major narrative themes that emerged from participants\u0026rsquo; reflections: Cultural Anchoring, Civic Consciousness, Nostalgia of Childhood, and Intergenerational Affection. The second highlights key observational insights that deepened and contextualized the narrative findings.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eNarrative Themes\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring analysis, narrative and observational data were coded using descriptive labels\u0026mdash;such as \u0026ldquo;Buddha\u0026rdquo; or \u0026ldquo;faith\u0026rdquo; for spiritual comfort, and \u0026ldquo;school\u0026rdquo; or \u0026ldquo;friends\u0026rdquo; for childhood memories. These initial codes were then grouped into broader thematic categories through iterative comparison. The resulting four themes offer a conceptual framework that captures the diverse yet interconnected dimensions of participants\u0026rsquo; engagement.\u0026nbsp;Table 1 summarizes the frequency and keywords associated with each theme. These key terms were derived inductively from transcripts, field notes, and photographs, reflecting emotional tone, symbolic references, and relational dynamics.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 1.\u003c/strong\u003e Emergent Themes, Participant Distribution, and Key Words/Phrases\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"630\"\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTheme\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNo. of Participants Expressed Each Theme\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Words / Phrases\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCultural Anchoring\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e17\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\u0026ldquo;Buddha,\u0026rdquo; \u0026ldquo;faith,\u0026rdquo; \u0026ldquo;calm,\u0026rdquo; \u0026ldquo;King,\u0026rdquo; \u0026ldquo;watching over me,\u0026rdquo; \u0026ldquo;comfort,\u0026rdquo; \u0026ldquo;temple,\u0026rdquo; \u0026ldquo;security\u0026rdquo;\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCivic Consciousness\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e12\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\u0026ldquo;pride,\u0026rdquo; \u0026ldquo;Thai,\u0026rdquo; \u0026ldquo;righteousness,\u0026rdquo; \u0026ldquo;Democracy Monument,\u0026rdquo; \u0026ldquo;citizen,\u0026rdquo; \u0026ldquo;nation,\u0026rdquo; \u0026ldquo;duty,\u0026rdquo; \u0026ldquo;responsibility\u0026rdquo;\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNostalgia of Childhood\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e11\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\u0026ldquo;school,\u0026rdquo; \u0026ldquo;friends,\u0026rdquo; \u0026ldquo;textbook,\u0026rdquo; \u0026ldquo;carefree,\u0026rdquo; \u0026ldquo;happy,\u0026rdquo; \u0026ldquo;childhood,\u0026rdquo; \u0026ldquo;learning,\u0026rdquo; \u0026ldquo;teacher\u0026rdquo;\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntergenerational Affection\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e14\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\u0026ldquo;daughter,\u0026rdquo; \u0026ldquo;mother,\u0026rdquo; \u0026ldquo;together,\u0026rdquo; \u0026ldquo;gratitude,\u0026rdquo; \u0026ldquo;loved,\u0026rdquo; \u0026ldquo;time spent,\u0026rdquo; \u0026ldquo;smile,\u0026rdquo; \u0026ldquo;care\u0026rdquo;\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach theme was reflected across multiple narratives, with many participants\u0026rsquo; stories touching on more than one theme. The four themes are described as follows:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCultural Anchoring\u003c/strong\u003e:\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eEmotional Comfort and Identity\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe most prevalent theme,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eCultural Anchoring\u003c/em\u003e, was expressed by 17 participants. This theme encompassed feelings of identity, continuity, and reassurance grounded in cultural and religious symbolism. Participants frequently selected photographs of Buddhist statues, royal portraits, or sacred sites, describing these images as sources of emotional security and moral grounding. For example, NDMI-E-007 stated,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;Every time I see the Buddha statue, I feel calm and reassured. It\u0026rsquo;s like having someone watch over me,\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e while NDMI-C-007 shared,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;When I feel lost or burdened, I think of the Buddha or the King\u0026mdash;it gives me strength.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeveral elder\u0026ndash;caregiver dyads selected exhibits displaying national symbols, civic mottos, or historic imagery. NDMI-E-012 reflected on the origin of Thai identity through a historic flag, saying,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;Being Thai began right here\u0026hellip; beginnings may be fixed, but the end may never come.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e Meanwhile, NDMI-C-012 became tearful upon seeing the phrase\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;We will govern the land with righteousness,\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e stating,\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;Without that principle, we wouldn\u0026rsquo;t have the peace we enjoy today.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e These cross-generational responses illustrate how symbolic imagery evoked both philosophical and emotional dimensions of civic consciousness.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImportantly, these narratives were not simply nostalgic but demonstrated active meaning-making. Elders often framed their reflections within a continuum of\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003egenerativity\u003c/em\u003e\u0026mdash;a desire to pass on cultural wisdom, spiritual values, and social ethics to the younger generation. NDMI-E010 shared pride in having lived through different eras, while NDMI-C-010 recalled her mother\u0026rsquo;s influence:\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;Seeing this photo made me think of the hairpin she used to clip in my hair. I miss her.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e Such exchanges show how cultural pride and moral responsibility were transmitted relationally, reinforcing the role of the museum as a space for intergenerational moral reflection and emotional inheritance.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCivic Consciousness: Generativity and Moral Continuity\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwelve participants articulated themes of \u003cem\u003eCivic Consciousness\u003c/em\u003e, expressing pride in Thai history, social responsibility, and their roles as citizens. Exhibits that depicted historical milestones, national symbols, and political change evoked strong emotional responses. One older adult (NDMI-E-012) stated, \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;I\u0026rsquo;m proud to be Thai. Seeing the phrase \u0026lsquo;We will govern the land with righteousness\u0026rsquo; brought tears to my eyes\u0026mdash;because without it, we wouldn\u0026rsquo;t have the peace we enjoy today.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e A caregiver (NDMI-C-008) recalled the Democracy Monument exhibit: \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;It took me back to when I was a child, waiting for my mother during the protests.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e These reflections suggest that the museum served as a space for civic reflection and historical consciousness, allowing both generations to connect personal memory with collective identity.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe theme of \u003cem\u003eCivic Consciousness\u003c/em\u003e extended beyond expressions of patriotism\u0026mdash;it revealed how participants connected personal histories with national ideals and moral continuity. Elders frequently invoked a sense of duty to future generations, suggesting that cultural memory was a resource not only for reflection but also for transmission. For instance, one participant reflected, \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;I want the younger ones to see this and feel grateful, like we did\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e (NDMI-E-011). Another remarked on emotional pride, \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;No king, no country. That\u0026rsquo;s how I see it\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e (NDMI-E-009), linking monarchy to identity. These expressions echo the concept of generativity\u0026mdash;the desire to guide and nurture the next generation\u0026mdash;as a key psychosocial task in later life. Museums appeared to act as prompts for this generative impulse, supporting what some describe as \u003cem\u003emoral continuity\u003c/em\u003e across generations. By engaging with symbols of justice, sacrifice, and governance, participants reframed personal memories as part of a larger civic narrative.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNostalgia of Childhood: Neuropsychological Grounding of Reminiscence\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEleven participants expressed memories aligned with the theme of \u003cem\u003eNostalgia of Childhood\u003c/em\u003e. Photographs of classrooms, schoolbooks, and playful imagery triggered vivid recollections of formative experiences and childhood joy. One older adult (NDMI-E-001) reflected, \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;Seeing the classroom again reminded me of my school days\u0026mdash;carefree, full of laughter with my friends. We still talk sometimes.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e A caregiver (NDMI-C-010) added, \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;That old schoolbook brought me back to when I was learning to read. It was nice to relive that memory.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e These stories illustrate the museum\u0026rsquo;s capacity to act as a portal to personal history and youthful identity.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe theme \u003cem\u003eNostalgia of Childhood\u003c/em\u003e illuminated how participants accessed deeply embedded autobiographical memories. Elders described moments of joy, loss, and longing associated with early school life, parental figures, and first encounters with national identity. For example, one elder shared, \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;Seeing the old classroom brought back the smell of chalk\u0026hellip; it was like I was back with my friends\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e (NDMI-E-005). Another recalled, \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;The year of 2500 on the blackboard reminded me of someone I miss dearly\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e (NDMI-E-005, tearfully).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNarratives in this theme revealed a consistent emotional tone: warmth, longing, and joy anchored in school settings, early friendships, and maternal care. These recollections often arose from viewing educational objects, old photographs, or classroom dioramas, which appeared to trigger vivid autobiographical memories among elders. Caregivers similarly reflected on shared moments with their parents or grandparents, sometimes emphasizing sensory or embodied memory.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis nostalgic recall seemed to offer participants a way to reconnect with foundational aspects of their identity. Rather than being purely sentimental, these stories created opportunities for emotional grounding and affirmation of continuity across the life span. Through shared remembering, dyads expressed tenderness, gratitude, and a mutual recognition of each other\u0026rsquo;s histories\u0026mdash;deepening their intergenerational bond.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntergenerational Affection: Divergence in Meaning-Making\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIntergenerational Affection\u003c/em\u003e emerged in the narratives of 14 participants, highlighting emotional closeness, gratitude, and the significance of shared time between older adults and their caregivers. Many dyads selected photographs capturing their joint presence or moments of visible joy. NDMI-E002 remarked, \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;I\u0026rsquo;m thankful my daughter brought me here and showed me things I\u0026rsquo;d never seen before. It made me feel cared for,\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e while NDMI-C-002 reflected, \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;Seeing my mom\u0026rsquo;s face light up\u0026mdash;she was curious, excited, like a child again.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOther dyads echoed similar sentiments. NDMI-C-007 noted, \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;We don\u0026rsquo;t usually do things together like this. It was simple happiness, but it meant a lot.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e Such reflections reveal the museum experience as more than an outing; it became a shared emotional event that redefined caregiving beyond duty into relational appreciation. The combination of sensory environment and reflective narrative appeared to strengthen mutual understanding and fostered moments of emotional reciprocity often absent in routine caregiving contexts.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile many dyads demonstrated shared emotional resonance, several pairs revealed divergent focal points in their interpretations of the museum experience. These intergenerational contrasts offer insight into how older adults and caregivers may prioritize different aspects of cultural engagement.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Dyad NDMI-S01, for instance, the elder reflected on national origin and temporal continuity: \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;I believe our Thai identity begins here\u0026mdash;not Sukhothai, not Ayutthaya, not early Rattanakosin\u0026hellip; People begin and end, but the nation, like our flag, may never truly end.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e This philosophical view contrasts with the caregiver\u0026rsquo;s emotionally immediate reaction to a royal phrase: \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;When I saw the words \u0026lsquo;We will rule with righteousness,\u0026rsquo; I felt tears welling up\u0026mdash;without it, we wouldn\u0026rsquo;t live in peace today.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e Here, the elder prioritized historical-philosophical reflection, while the caregiver connected to emotional-national gratitude, both rooted in civic consciousness but filtered through different generational lenses.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA striking contrast was also observed in Dyad NDMI-S05. The elder expressed deep spiritual reverence: \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;The Buddha teaches us the way out of suffering\u0026hellip; points clearly to the moral path.\u0026rdquo;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003eIn contrast, the caregiver\u0026rsquo;s narrative focused on playful freedom: \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;Let grandma be grandma. Let her relax, do what she enjoys\u0026hellip; and be allowed to have fun.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e This reflects a divergence between the elder\u0026rsquo;s focus on moral transcendence and the caregiver\u0026rsquo;s emphasis on psychosocial autonomy and present-moment joy.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Dyad NDMI-S06, the elder described spiritual practices as emotional anchors: \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;I bow and feel peaceful, as if protected.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e Meanwhile, the caregiver offered a more secular, relational frame: \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;Spending time with mom, seeing her excited and energized, that made me happy.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e Although both expressed well-being, their sources of meaning differed\u0026mdash;spiritual reassurance for the elder versus relational vitality for the caregiver.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese examples underscore that while museum-based social prescription can foster shared experiences, it also allows space for personalized emotional interpretation. Divergences between elders and caregivers often reflected different lived experiences and expectations. However, rather than creating conflict, these contrasts enriched the emotional dialogue, illustrating how intergenerational encounters in cultural spaces can support both individual reflection and relational empathy.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eGenerational Congruence and Dissonance in Dyadic Narratives\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcross the 16 elder\u0026ndash;caregiver dyads, we identified recurring patterns of congruent and divergent reflections within each pair. Using thematic alignment, we classified dyads into two categories: those with generationally congruent interpretations (n = 4) and those with divergent interpretations (n = 12).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCongruent pairs (e.g., NDMI-S03, S10, S12, S16) often shared common reflections around patriotism, Buddhist faith, or nostalgic memories, demonstrating shared meaning-making and emotional resonance.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor instance, in dyad NDMI-S12, the elder recalled their childhood during King Rama IX\u0026rsquo;s reign, while the caregiver described a photo of hairpin memories from their mother\u0026mdash;both emphasizing intergenerational affection and familial bonding.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;While many dyads expressed emotional alignment\u0026mdash;especially around themes of nostalgia and gratitude\u0026mdash;others revealed subtle intergenerational contrasts. For instance, while caregivers emphasized learning from the elder or reflecting on their caregiving role e.g., One caregiver reflected on her mother\u0026rsquo;s enjoyment during the visit:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;We let Mama be herself\u0026hellip; We allowed her to relax, be playful, and enjoy herself.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e (translated from Thai)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese complementary yet distinct interpretations reflect how emotional meaning-making may diverge even within close familial relationships.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Dyad NDMI-S12, emotional warmth was anchored in intergenerational memory and affection. The elder recalled: \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;The past is filled with good memories\u0026mdash;from the early eras to the present.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e The caregiver complemented this with a tender reflection: \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;I remember when mom used to clip my hairpins\u0026hellip; this photo brings those memories back.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e Despite the different framing\u0026mdash;historical continuity versus personal care\u0026mdash;their narratives intertwined in a shared nostalgic sensibility, affirming the emotional legacy passed down through small, affectionate gestures.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile individual narratives varied in focus and expression, several dyads exhibited striking emotional convergence. These shared reflections not only emphasized common themes\u0026mdash;such as reverence, nostalgia, and relational gratitude\u0026mdash;but also revealed how museum-based social prescription enabled synchronous emotional engagement across generations.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Dyad NDMI-S06, the elder expressed spiritual peace: \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;I feel at ease when I bow in prayer, as if protected.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e The caregiver echoed this emotional tone, describing the shared moment with her mother: \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;Spending time with mom, seeing her delighted, excited, and energized\u0026mdash;it brought me joy.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e Though the elder focused on internal tranquility through ritual, and the caregiver on the relational joy of seeing her mother\u0026rsquo;s positive emotions, both narratives converged on a deeply felt sense of contentment and emotional closeness.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDyad NDMI-S07 also reflected emotional attunement. The elder stated: \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;When I see the Buddha, I feel peaceful\u0026mdash;my heart is calm.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e Meanwhile, the caregiver expressed a similar emotional outcome: \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;It felt good because we rarely do things together\u0026hellip; but this time, I felt happy.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e Here, the elder\u0026rsquo;s sense of inner peace and the caregiver\u0026rsquo;s joy in shared togetherness point to a mutual state of well-being, cultivated through the shared cultural experience. Both perceived the museum as a space for restorative connection.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcross these dyads, convergence occurred not because both members used the same language or focused on identical stimuli, but because they recognized each other\u0026rsquo;s emotional experience as valid and meaningful. This underscores the role of museum-based social prescription in cultivating empathic resonance, enabling older adults and caregivers to meet on common affective ground, even if arriving there via different paths.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eObservational Insights: Embodied Emotion and Relational Texture\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eField notes revealed numerous subtle, embodied behaviors that enriched participants\u0026rsquo; verbal narratives. These included caregivers placing a gentle hand on an elder\u0026rsquo;s shoulder during storytelling, or elders shifting posture when recalling emotionally charged memories. In Dyad NDMI-S12, the caregiver leaned forward and quietly held her mother\u0026rsquo;s hand while she reminisced about her school days, whispering, \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;I remember you telling me this story before.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e In NDMI-S14, the elder turned away from the camera when speaking of a deceased relative, visibly swallowing tears before continuing\u0026mdash;illustrating the quiet emotional labor involved in revisiting the past.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOther participants also became tearful while reflecting on national or spiritual figures. One elder (NDMI-E-008), recalling King Rama IX, paused repeatedly to compose herself: \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;Without him, we wouldn\u0026rsquo;t have what we have today.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e In another case, the Buddhist year 2500 displayed in a photograph triggered a flood of memories and visible grief over a lost loved one (NDMI-E-005).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpontaneous dyadic dialogues reflected deep intergenerational appreciation. In NDMI-S08, the caregiver praised her mother\u0026rsquo;s memory, saying, \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;You still remember all this! You\u0026rsquo;re amazing,\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e to which the elder responded with pride. In another exchange, a daughter reflected on the novelty of the experience, prompting her elder to say with warmth, \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;You\u0026rsquo;ve shown me things I never imagined I\u0026rsquo;d see.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e Such comments affirmed the museum\u0026rsquo;s role as a relational setting for mutual learning and emotional affirmation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpiritual worldviews also emerged through embodied interactions. In NDMI-S04, a caregiver commented, \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;Faith helps, but in the end, I rely on myself,\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e while the elder countered, \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;Faith has carried me through everything.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e These layered exchanges suggest that intergenerational dialogue in cultural settings may surface differences in belief and coping, prompting deeper mutual understanding.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA recurring motif across dyads was the recognition of the museum visit as a rare moment of shared intimacy. Several participants noted they had never taken a photo together before or shared reflective moments in this way. One caregiver (NDMI-C-002), looking at their photo, said, \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;We\u0026rsquo;ve never done this before. It\u0026rsquo;s a beautiful memory we\u0026rsquo;ll keep.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese observations underscore the importance of capturing nonverbal and relational cues in aging research. The museum functioned not only as a site of memory and learning but as a space for embodied connection, reinforcing the therapeutic potential of museum-based social prescription.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003ePsychosocial Concerns: Worry, Burden, and Health Literacy Gaps\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeyond expressions of emotional resonance and cultural reflection, several dyads articulated narratives that revealed latent concerns, subtle burdens, or potential gaps in health literacy\u0026mdash;particularly regarding emotional coping and role strain. While these concerns were not always foregrounded, they emerged through expressions of worry, longing, or ambivalence about self-reliance and interdependence.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Dyad NDMI-S02, the caregiver expressed a strong belief in self-reliance \u003cem\u003e\u0026quot;One must rely on oneself.\u0026quot;\u003c/em\u003e It reflects a Buddhist-informed value of self-reliance, often associated with inner strength and personal responsibility in facing life\u0026rsquo;s challenges, and managing challenges independently. While empowering, such a mindset may suggest a lack of perceived social support or hesitation to seek help\u0026mdash;both of which are known barriers to health literacy and caregiver well-being. This contrasts with the elder\u0026rsquo;s symbolic framing of national belonging, potentially revealing a generational difference in sources of psychological anchoring.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDyad NDMI-S03 revealed traces of longing and loss. The elder described emotional comfort in feeling part of the younger generation, while the caregiver spoke with patriotic pride about returning to give back to the homeland. The emotional tone across both statements hinted at a search for continuity and belonging, possibly reflecting anxieties about aging, role changes, or national identity.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Dyad NDMI-S14, both elder and caregiver reflected on the past with emotional intensity. The elder\u0026rsquo;s narrative revolved around a deceased relative, while the caregiver expressed a sense of life\u0026apos;s constant change and impermanence. The strong orientation toward the past, although meaningful, might suggest unresolved grief or a lack of forward-looking coping resources\u0026mdash;components relevant to aging-related mental health.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLastly, Dyad NDMI-S01 showed subtle philosophical divergence. The elder reflected on the symbolism of the national flag and its metaphysical significance \u003cem\u003e(\u0026ldquo;There is a beginning, but there may not be an end\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e), whereas the caregiver emotionally responded to a historical motto (\u0026ldquo;\u003cem\u003eWe shall rule the land with righteousness\u003c/em\u003e\u0026rdquo;) to the point of tears. While both narratives evoked national pride, the depth of emotion expressed by the caregiver may indicate unarticulated stress or internalized burden related to civic or familial responsibility.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTaken together, these narratives highlight that emotional well-being in museum-based social prescription is not solely about joy and connection\u0026mdash;it also uncovers moments of concern, philosophical questioning, and subtle signals of caregiver strain or health literacy limitations. These findings underscore the need to design museum interventions that include space for processing loss, stress, and intergenerational vulnerability, and that incorporate follow-up or referral mechanisms when needed.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eExploring Healthy Aging through Photo-Elicited Narratives\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study examined how 16 elder\u0026ndash;caregiver dyads engaged emotionally and cognitively with museum exhibits through the lens of photo-elicitation and storytelling. From the 32 selected photographs, five key patterns emerged that reflect mutual meaning-making, cultural resonance, and the therapeutic potential of museum-based social prescription.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost dyads (12 of 16) demonstrated alignment between their selected photographs and accompanying narratives. Shared emotional interpretations often centered on spirituality, nostalgia, maternal bonding, or national pride. For example, in Dyad NDMI-S06, the elder reflected, \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;I felt at peace praying,\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e while the caregiver expressed joy in seeing her mother happy and energized\u0026mdash;revealing both individual and relational benefits of the museum visit.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, several pairs (e.g., NDMI-S01, S04, S05) displayed divergent emphases. Elders typically focused on spiritual meaning or historical continuity, whereas caregivers spoke of autonomy, relaxation, or caregiving insight. In Dyad NDMI-S05, the elder said, \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;The Buddha teaches us the way out of suffering,\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e while the caregiver emphasized freedom and enjoyment: \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;Let grandma be grandma\u0026hellip; let her enjoy herself.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e These contrasts suggest differing emotional needs and perspectives\u0026mdash;yet both affirm the visit as a meaningful experience.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRoom 3 (\u0026ldquo;\u003cem\u003eThai Education\u003c/em\u003e\u0026rdquo;) and Room 1 (\u0026ldquo;\u003cem\u003eBorn Thai\u003c/em\u003e\u0026rdquo;) were most frequently selected, with 9 and 8 images respectively. Exhibits in these rooms\u0026mdash;chalkboards, national emblems\u0026mdash;served as powerful anchors of memory and identity. Their popularity reinforces the role of educational and cultural heritage as tools for autobiographical reflection and intergenerational dialogue.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGolden statements of emotional convergence appeared in dyads like NDMI-S06, S07, and S12. These moments illustrated affective resonance, shared memories, and deep interpersonal connection. In S12, for instance, both participants reflected on childhood and maternal affection, affirming the role of the museum as a site of relational healing and mutual appreciation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThough less prominent, narratives from some caregivers revealed subtle expressions of burden, worry, or emotional labor. Dyad S04\u0026rsquo;s caregiver noted, \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;I believe in depending on myself,\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e hinting at caregiving fatigue and limited social support. In S13, a caregiver recalled domestic responsibilities inherited after bereavement, describing the kitchen as a source of emotional tension. These accounts highlight how non-clinical settings can surface and potentially ease latent caregiving challenges.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall, this study affirms the museum as a relational space supporting both healthy aging (through emotional well-being, identity continuity, and autonomy) and creative aging (through storytelling, memory activation, and cultural self-expression). By integrating real-world visuals and reflective dialogue, the intervention functioned as a low-barrier, culturally relevant platform for \u0026ldquo;museum-based social prescription.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study examined how museum-based engagement supported emotional well-being and relational connection among older adults and their caregivers. Four themes\u0026mdash;Cultural Anchoring, Civic Consciousness, Nostalgia of Childhood, and Intergenerational Affection\u0026mdash;captured the diverse ways participants engaged emotionally and reflectively with curated exhibits. These findings highlight how museums can serve not only as cultural institutions but also as psychosocial spaces that promote well-being through storytelling, sensory memory, and shared reflection.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec18\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAddressing the Research Questions\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThese findings clearly address our research questions. First, older adults and caregivers expressed emotional engagement and well-being through reflective narratives centered on cultural memory, gratitude, and identity. Second, thematic analysis revealed four recurring themes\u0026mdash;Cultural Anchoring, Civic Consciousness, Nostalgia of Childhood, and Intergenerational Affection\u0026mdash;illustrating shared and divergent personal, cultural, and generational meanings. Finally, the emotionally rich, multisensory, and narrative-driven experiences suggest that museums can serve as relationally grounded environments for reflection, empathy, and creative aging.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec19\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eInterpretation in Light of Theory and Literature\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe emergent themes align with existing literature on emotional engagement, narrative transportation, and creative aging. Participants\u0026rsquo; expressions of cultural pride and spiritual grounding reflected the restorative role of symbolic artifacts in aging well (Aula \u0026amp; Masoodian, 2023; Jelinčić \u0026amp; Šveb, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e). Reflections on national history and social identity supported prior findings that museums can facilitate civic empathy and historical continuity (Soares, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e; Hooper-Greenhill, 2020). Reminiscences of childhood further exemplified how museum spaces evoke autobiographical memory and strengthen identity construction (Falk \u0026amp; Dierking, 2016).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIntergenerational Affection emerged as a particularly powerful theme, echoing Cohen\u0026rsquo;s (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2006\u003c/span\u003e) work on the relational benefits of creative engagement. Observations of participants tearing up or expressing gratitude support Green and Brock\u0026rsquo;s (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2000\u003c/span\u003e) theory of narrative transportation\u0026mdash;participants were emotionally immersed in stories that bridged memory, meaning, and identity.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrom a neuropsychological perspective, childhood nostalgia supports more than sentiment\u0026mdash;it aids emotional regulation and identity coherence. According to Addis and Szpunar (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e), autobiographical recall activates the brain\u0026rsquo;s default mode network (DMN), which governs self-referential thinking and emotional balance. In this study, participants\u0026rsquo; reflections engaged memory and neural processes linked to well-being, suggesting that museum-based storytelling may foster resilience by helping individuals construct meaningful, emotionally coherent life narratives.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGenerational contrasts also surfaced. Elders frequently emphasized spiritual connection and nostalgia, while caregivers sometimes framed their engagement around learning and caregiving pride. Despite these differences, both groups found emotional meaning and mutual appreciation in the shared experience, suggesting that museums can function as sites of intergenerational empathy and informal dialogue. These moments underscore the museum\u0026rsquo;s capacity for introspection and memory, aligning with narrative transportation theory (Green \u0026amp; Brock, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2000\u003c/span\u003e). For instance, several elders described nostalgic experiences of schooling and civic pride as emotionally grounding. This mirrors literature on reminiscence therapy, which suggests that revisiting formative social environments may activate emotional memory networks and contribute to identity continuity in older adults (Addis \u0026amp; Szpunar, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e; Bareither, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e). Such reflections may also reinforce civic values and intergenerational narratives, contributing to psychological integration in later life.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec20\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eIntergenerational Similarities and Differences\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis dyadic analysis revealed that while some elder\u0026ndash;caregiver pairs expressed similar values and emotional responses, many others exhibited generational dissonance. These contrasts reflected differing life roles and perspectives\u0026mdash;elders tended to frame their experiences around spirituality, national identity, and life review, while caregivers often reflected on support, admiration, or practical care.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSuch findings affirm previous research highlighting the complexity of intergenerational relationships in late life care (Ward et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e; Stickley et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e). They also suggest that museum-based social prescription can function as a flexible platform to bridge generational differences, fostering empathy, mutual learning, and emotional reciprocity.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThese findings also resonate with Fancourt and Finn\u0026rsquo;s (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e) framework, which identifies cultural engagement as contributing to multiple health pathways\u0026mdash;psychological, behavioral, and social. The potential of museums to generate co-benefits across caregiver and elder dyads situates them as promising tools in integrated mental health promotion. The alignment with WHO\u0026rsquo;s Healthy Ageing domains, including \u0026ldquo;meaningful relationships\u0026rdquo; and \u0026ldquo;ability to contribute,\u0026rdquo; suggests museum-based programs may offer scalable value within broader gerontological systems.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec21\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eImplications for Mental Health, Aging Literacy, and Practice\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThese findings reinforce the role of cultural engagement as a non-clinical mental health strategy. Participants revealed stress relief, emotional expression, and relational renewal\u0026mdash;key to resilience in aging. For caregivers, shared participation helped validate their role and enabled emotional connection beyond task-oriented care.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis aligns with growing international recognition of social prescribing as a strategy to support older adults' mental health and community participation (World Health Organization, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e; NASP, 2023). However, recent reviews show that many existing interventions remain limited in scale and scope, with few rigorously assessing cognitive or neurophysiological outcomes (Percival et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e; Ashe et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e; Ghogomu et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e). Museum-based social prescription could fill this gap, offering an accessible and culturally grounded platform for mental health promotion.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe visit encouraged reflection on values, independence, belief systems, and relational gratitude\u0026mdash;components of healthy aging literacy. Through photos and dialogue, participants demonstrated intuitive understandings of emotional well-being and identity negotiation, suggesting that museums can informally promote psychosocial education for both elders and caregivers. Prior studies from Asia and Australia also affirm the role of immersive museum settings and digital storytelling in fostering connection and dignity among people with cognitive impairment (Yi et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e; Zhu et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor museum professionals, these findings offer practical guidance: exhibitions should include opportunities for personal storytelling, multi-sensory engagement, and intergenerational participation. For occupational therapists and aging service providers, this study models a scalable, low-barrier museum-based social prescription that centers emotional experience in culturally relevant settings.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec22\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eStudy Limitations\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis study involved 16 elder\u0026ndash;caregiver dyads visiting a single urban museum in Bangkok, which limits the generalizability of findings. While the qualitative narratives were rich and emotionally nuanced, the sample was relatively homogenous in terms of cultural background, education, and urban experience. Elders and caregivers in rural or diverse settings may offer different perspectives. Additionally, although this paper focused on the qualitative component, the broader study includes neurophysiological data, which was not analyzed here but may offer complementary insight into the cognitive-emotional mechanisms of engagement.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec23\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFuture Directions\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFuture research should explore the scalability of museum-based social prescription in diverse settings, including rural and under-resourced areas. Further studies may examine how museum design can intentionally support emotional regulation, relational reflection, and inclusive narratives across generational and cultural contexts. Integrating EEG could clarify how narrative immersion and emotional salience correspond with cognitive-affective processes.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eImplementation studies, guided by frameworks from the World Health Organization (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e) and the National Academy for Social Prescribing (2023), may assess how museums can partner with mental health and social care systems. This includes evaluating the feasibility of training museum staff, occupational therapists, and community workers to co-deliver structured yet flexible interventions. This study contributes to global discourse on community-based mental health and culturally responsive aging policy.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study examined how older adults and their caregivers experienced emotional and relational engagement during a museum visit. Through photo-elicited narratives and field observations, four key themes emerged\u0026mdash;Cultural Anchoring, Civic Consciousness, Nostalgia of Childhood, and Intergenerational Affection\u0026mdash;each illustrating how museums can support memory, identity, emotional expression, and cross-generational connection.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eParticipants\u0026rsquo; reflections revealed that museums served as relational spaces for storytelling, gratitude, and mutual discovery. These findings add to evidence that creative, community-based interventions\u0026mdash;especially museum-based social prescription\u0026mdash;enhance emotional well-being, aging literacy, and caregiver support in non-clinical settings.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBy foregrounding lived experience and intergenerational meaning-making, this study deepens current understandings of creative aging and narrative engagement. Such culturally grounded encounters offer scalable complements to mental health services. As part of a broader interdisciplinary project, these qualitative insights set the stage for future integration with neurophysiological data. Looking ahead, museum-based programs may play an increasingly strategic role in public mental health, supporting aging in place, intergenerational empathy, and emotionally resonant community engagement.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs countries navigate rising rates of cognitive decline and caregiver burden, museum-based programs present promising avenues for advancing non-clinical mental health strategies. When embedded within broader healthy aging policies\u0026mdash;advanced by the WHO Decade of Healthy Ageing and national social prescribing models\u0026mdash;these programs can extend the reach of public mental health services into culturally meaningful, low-stigma environments. Future practice will benefit from intersectoral partnerships that position museums not only as cultural institutions but as relational health infrastructures capable of sustaining emotional resilience and intergenerational solidarity.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis work was supported by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) under the Research and Innovation Fund for Fiscal Year 2025, Grant No. N84A680470.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthical Approval\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study was approved by the Mahidol University Central Institutional Review Board (MU-CIRB), Certificate of Approval No. MU-CIRB 2025/142.0105. All participants provided written informed consent prior to participation, in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDisclosure Statement\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors report there are no competing interests to declare.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData Availability Statement\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe data supporting the findings of this study consist of anonymized narrative transcripts and field notes. Due to ethical restrictions regarding participant privacy and consent, these data are not publicly available. Requests for de-identified excerpts may be considered on a case-by-case basis by contacting the corresponding author.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthor Contributions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSupalak Khemthong conceived the study, secured funding, and revised the manuscript. Winai Chatthong contributed to study design and data collection. Chewasit Boonyakiet made the first drafts, supported participant recruitment, and narrative analysis. All authors reviewed and approved the final version of the manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAddis, D. R., \u0026amp; Szpunar, K. K. (2024). Beyond the episodic\u0026ndash;semantic continuum: The multidimensional model of mental representations. \u003cem\u003ePhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 379\u003c/em\u003e(1913), 20230408. https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2023.0408\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAshe, M. C., Dos Santos, I. K., Alfares, H., Chudyk, A. M., \u0026amp; Esfandiari, E. (2024). 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A., \u0026amp; \u0026Scaron;veb, M. (2021). Financial sustainability of cultural heritage: A review of crowdfunding in Europe. \u003cem\u003eJournal of Risk and Financial Management, 14\u003c/em\u003e(3), 101. https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm14030101\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLin, C., Xia, G., Nickpour, F., \u0026amp; Sun, Y. (2025). A review of emotional design in extended reality for the preservation of cultural heritage. \u003cem\u003eNPJ Heritage Science, 13\u003c/em\u003e, 86. https://doi.org/10.1038/s40494-025-01625-x\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eL\u0026oacute;pez-Rodr\u0026iacute;guez, M., Rodr\u0026iacute;guez-P\u0026eacute;rez, V., \u0026amp; Rodr\u0026iacute;guez, A. F. L. (2024). Immersive and virtual exhibitions: A reflection on\u0026hellip; art? \u003cem\u003eArts \u0026amp; Communication, 3\u003c/em\u003e(1), Article 3688. https://doi.org/10.36922/ac.3688\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMiki, T., Cooray, U., Kanai, M., Hagiwara, Y., \u0026amp; Ikeda, T. (2024). Cultural engagement and prevalence of pain in socially isolated older people: A longitudinal modified treatment policy approach. \u003cem\u003eEClinicalMedicine, 69\u003c/em\u003e, 102477. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102477\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNational Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP). (2023). \u003cem\u003eSocial prescribing around the world: A world map of global developments in social prescribing.\u003c/em\u003e https://coilink.org/20.500.12592/hcjr9h\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePercival, A., Newton, C., Mulligan, K., et al. (2022). Systematic review of social prescribing and older adults: Where to from here? \u003cem\u003eFamily Medicine and Community Health, 10\u003c/em\u003e, e001829. https://doi.org/10.1136/fmch-2022-001829\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRoh, M., \u0026amp; Weon, S. (2022). Living arrangement and life satisfaction of the elderly in South Korea. \u003cem\u003eSocial Indicators Research, 160\u003c/em\u003e, 717\u0026ndash;734. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-020-02443-3\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRoppola, T. (2012). \u003cem\u003eDesigning for the museum visitor experience.\u003c/em\u003e Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203070284\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmalley, D., Smithwick, Q., Barabas, J., Bove, V. M., Jolly, S., \u0026amp; DellaSilva, C. (2013, February). Holovideo for everyone: A low-cost holovideo monitor. In \u003cem\u003eJournal of Physics: Conference Series\u003c/em\u003e (Vol. 415, No. 1, p. 012055). IOP Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/415/1/012055\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSoares, B. B. (Ed.). (2020). The future of tradition in museology [Special issue]. \u003cem\u003eICOFOM Study Series, 48\u003c/em\u003e(1). https://doi.org/10.4000/iss.1950\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStickley, T., Watson, M. C., Hui, A., Bosco, A., French, B., \u0026amp; Hussain, B. (2021). \u0026ldquo;The Elder Tree\u0026rdquo;: An evaluation of creative writing groups for older people. \u003cem\u003eNordic Journal of Arts, Culture and Health, 3\u003c/em\u003e(1\u0026ndash;2), 48\u0026ndash;62. https://doi.org/10.18261/issn.2535-7913-2021-01-02-05\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u0026Scaron;veb Dragija, M., \u0026amp; Jelinčić, D. A. (2022). Can museums help visitors thrive? Review of studies on psychological wellbeing in museums. \u003cem\u003eBehavioral Sciences, 12\u003c/em\u003e(11), 458. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs12110458\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWard, M. C., Milligan, C., Rose, E., Elliott, M., \u0026amp; Wainwright, B. R. (2020). The benefits of community-based participatory arts activities for people living with dementia: A thematic scoping review. \u003cem\u003eArts \u0026amp; Health, 13\u003c/em\u003e(3), 213\u0026ndash;239. https://doi.org/10.1080/17533015.2020.1781217\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhite, S. C. (2017). Relational wellbeing: Re-centring the politics of happiness, policy and the self. \u003cem\u003ePolicy \u0026amp; Politics, 45\u003c/em\u003e(2), 121\u0026ndash;136. https://doi.org/10.1332/030557317X14866576265970\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWorld Health Organization. (2022). \u003cem\u003eA toolkit on how to implement social prescribing.\u003c/em\u003e WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific. https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/363725\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eXu, Z., Sun, D., Xia, G., \u0026amp; Wang, S. (2025). Exploring emotional and cognitive engagement with holographic displays in museums. \u003cem\u003eACM Journal on Computing and Cultural Heritage.\u003c/em\u003e Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1145/3736772\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYi, X., Liu, Z., Li, H., \u0026amp; Jiang, B. (2024). Immersive experiences in museums for elderly with cognitive disorders: A user-centered design approach. \u003cem\u003eScientific Reports, 14\u003c/em\u003e, 1971. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-51929-4\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eZhu, D., Al Mahmud, A., \u0026amp; Liu, W. (2024). Digital storytelling intervention for enhancing the social participation of people with mild cognitive impairment: Co-design and usability study. \u003cem\u003eJMIR Aging, 7\u003c/em\u003e, e54138. https://doi.org/10.2196/54138\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[{"identity":"6dc375a3-8fe5-4989-91d3-e2ec30c81c12","identifier":"10.13039/501100004704","name":"National Research Council of Thailand","awardNumber":"N84A680470","order_by":0}],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":true,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Creative aging, Emotional well-being, Intergenerational connection, Museum engagement, Social prescribing, Photo-elicited narrative, Healthy aging literacy","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7715066/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7715066/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eObjectives: \u003c/strong\u003eThis study examined how a museum visit could function as a non-clinical, emotionally resonant setting for older adults and their caregivers, highlighting its potential as a museum-based social prescribing intervention. We aimed to explore how photo-elicited narratives and reflective storytelling revealed emotional engagement, cultural identity, and intergenerational connection.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethods: \u003c/strong\u003eSixteen elder–caregiver dyads (N = 32) visited six curated galleries at a public museum, photographing moments or objects they found personally meaningful. Each participant selected one image for a semi-structured narrative interview reflecting on its emotional and relational significance. Interviews were transcribed and thematically analyzed. Observational field notes captured non-verbal expressions and inter-dyadic interactions during storytelling.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResults: \u003c/strong\u003eFour core themes emerged: Cultural Anchoring, Civic Consciousness, Nostalgia of Childhood, and Intergenerational Affection. Narratives and observations revealed emotional resonance, spiritual grounding, and shared gratitude. While generational differences shaped meaning-making, the shared experience fostered mutual reflection and empathy.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConclusion: \u003c/strong\u003eMuseum-based social prescribing may enhance emotional well-being, healthy aging literacy, and intergenerational connection. These findings suggest that cultural spaces can function as emotionally supportive, non-clinical environments that promote mental health and relational engagement for older adults and their caregivers.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Stories of Emotional Well-Being: Older Adults and Caregivers Engaging in a Museum-Based Social Prescription","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-09-29 09:26:16","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7715066/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"b4b59cb4-e92d-432f-9519-9a41fde9bd52","owner":[],"postedDate":"September 29th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[{"id":55491229,"name":"Psychiatry"},{"id":55491230,"name":"Media Studies"},{"id":55491231,"name":"Preventive Medicine"}],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-09-29T09:26:16+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-09-29 09:26:16","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-7715066","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-7715066","identity":"rs-7715066","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"XKTyCvWXoU3ODBz1xrDgd","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}