Effects of Playback Theatre on cognitive function and quality of life in older adults in Singapore: A preliminary study

OBJECTIVE This study investigated the effects of Playback Theatre on older adults' cognitive function and well-being, specifically in the Singapore context. METHODS Eighteen healthy older adults, older than 50 years of age, participated in the study. Due to practical limitations, a single-group pre-post study design was adopted. Participants completed the outcome measures before and after the training program. There were six weekly sessions in total (about 1.5 hours, once weekly). RESULTS Participants experienced a significant improvement in their emotional well-being after training. However, there were no significant changes in participants' cognitive function or health-related quality of life. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that Playback Theatre as a community program has potential to improve the mental and emotional well-being of older people.