Steps and Past: old age, performing arts and Assistive Technolo-gies for creating new futures

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze narratives from older adults about their experiences in the Performing Arts, linking them to the expansion of inclusive potential provided by Assistive Technologies. In this research, individuals aged 60 and over will be approached in their role as dancer-actors in performance spaces, considering the adaptation of the structure and methodologies of Assistive Technologies (AT) to meet their needs. The methodology adopted a qualitative approach, through which four older women with an average age of 66 were interviewed. The research instrument used was a semi-structured interview, based on the narratives of the older women in the dance groups in which they perform. Additionally, for content analysis, the steps outlined by Bardin (2011) were used, allowing for an understanding of the concerns of the interviewees. The results show that participation in these dance groups brings benefits related to the recognition and self-worth of the members as producers of their own lives. From the perspective of Assistive Technologies (AT), it was observed that there is a visible lack of infrastructure that could support the artistic expressions of people aged 60+ and that such needs are often overlooked. Furthermore, both narratives also highlighted the importance of developing methodologies adapted to the users of performance spaces, whether as audience members or artists, which also includes AT as essential in this process. In conclusion, it is noted that artistic initiatives are increasingly being made available to older adults, enriching the aging process by enabling the exercise of subjectivity, and are necessary for paradigm shifts in different areas such as Education, Performing Arts, Gerontology, among others, emphasizing the need to reconfigure physical spaces to make such practices more effective and inclusive.