“To be Productive for as Long as I Live.” Art and Cultural Activities After Eighty

This chapter describes how artistic and cultural activities can be continued until very old age. There is a growing body of literature on arts and creativity in old age, considering the positive effects of practising some form of art in later years and in relation to art-based initiatives in health care. However, art is also presented as a valuable form of production for older adults. Most studies refer to young old people, while the literature on art and creativity among the oldest old people is scarce. This study is part of a broader research project based on interviews with older people aged 80 or above in Sweden who are still engaged in art and cultural activities. The interviews were transcribed and then analysed although a detailed discourse analysis and membership categorisation analysis showing how artistic activities may represent a strong driver to maintain a sense of purpose in old age. Quality art production is possible at a very old age; as one of the interviewees says: “I think there is no reason why it will not get better and better and better.”