Preventing Cognitive Decline through Museum-Based Psychosocial Rehabilitation for Elders and Caregivers

Abstract Cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment represent growing concerns in geriatric mental health, yet psychosocial rehabilitation has rarely incorporated cultural institutions as community-based resources. This study examined how museum-based psychosocial rehabilitation supports cognitive health, emotional well-being, and intergenerational connection among older adults and their caregivers in Thailand. Sixteen elder–caregiver dyads (N = 32) participated in a structured visit to six curated museum galleries in Bangkok. Participants photographed meaningful exhibits and engaged in narrative interviews guided by photo-elicitation, while observational field notes documented affective and social interactions. Cognitive functioning was assessed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (education-adjusted), and depressive symptoms were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Thematic analysis identified four recurring patterns of engagement: Cultural Anchoring, Civic Consciousness, Nostalgia of Childhood, and Intergenerational Affection. Elders with lower cognitive scores emphasized collective cultural identity, while non-impaired participants more frequently highlighted autobiographical memory and relational narratives. Observations revealed embodied expressions of emotion, such as touch, tears, and laughter, alongside concerns including caregiver burden and self-reliance. Quantitative findings showed minimal depressive symptoms across both groups, with caregivers generally demonstrating stronger cognitive performance than elders. These results suggest that museum-based cultural engagement functions as a low-cost psychosocial rehabilitation strategy that fosters memory recall, emotional regulation, and identity continuity. By situating cultural participation within preventive frameworks, museums can serve as accessible community resources for promoting healthy and creative aging.