A phenomenological study of creativity in older adults: an experience of being alive

The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the phenomenon of creativity in a population of older adults. This study utilized a phenomenologic research design to explore the lived experience of creativity in four women ranging in age from 63 to 75 who were noted by their peers to be creative. Subjects were asked to respond to the following question: 'Describe the last time you felt you were especially creative. Describe what happened and how you felt. Continue to tell about the experience until you feel you have described it fully.' Analysis of the interview transcriptions progressed through the steps characteristic of phenomenological methodology. Themes were identified, analyzed, and sorted into three categories: (1) Characteristics of the phenomenon; (2) Ideation integral to the experience; and (3) Environmental field patterns associated with the phenomenon.