Elderly autobiography Writing Program for College students Qualitative Case study on Participation Experience

Abstract

Objectives This study sought to find out what experiences five college students had through an autobiography writing program for the elderly called 『Seniors Making Books』, which was planned and implemented directly for six elderly people, and what the meaning of that experience was. Methods This study plans and conducts a 7-session elderly autobiography writing program at a senior welfare center in City B from September 2 to December 20, 2023, and examines the meaning of the process and experi-ence of creating an autobiography as the final result and participating in the program through an exhibition. This is a qualitative case study in which data was collected and analyzed through in-depth interviews about the mean-ing of the experience. Results As a result of the study, the autobiography writing program conducted by college students for the elderly was, first, experienced a ‘change in prejudice and perception of the elderly’ that had been held against the elderly, and second, ‘a new challenge’ while planning and implementing the program with friends in the same major. The result was ‘improved confidence through’ and thirdly, although it was a short period of time, it gave the meaning of ‘the importance of relationships through meeting’. Conclusions In conclusion, the autobiography writing program for the elderly allowed the university students and the elderly participants to realize the meaning of time travel where they were happy together, not alone, through time travel to the past, present, and future.