Museum-based photo-elicitation for cognitive and emotional engagement in aging: A pilot study

Objectives This pilot study investigated whether a museum-based photo-elicitation protocol could elicit emotional and thematic engagement among mid-life and older adults, and whether responses varied according to cognitive status or depressive symptoms. Methods Thirty-two participants (mean age = 52.1 years, 59% female) visiting the National Science Museum were invited to photograph selected exhibition rooms and narrate short reflections. Cognitive status was assessed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and depressive symptoms with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Participant narratives were thematically coded into eight categories (e.g., nostalgia, intergenerational affection, cultural anchoring, civic consciousness, health literacy). Frequencies and distributions of themes and emotions were examined by mild cognitive impairment (MCI) status and depressive risk. Results Nostalgia of Childhood and Intergenerational Affection were the most frequent themes overall. Non-MCI participants demonstrated broader thematic diversity, including civic and cultural anchoring, whereas MCI participants relied more heavily on nostalgic themes. Participants at risk of depression expressed restricted thematic variety, with reflections narrowly focused on health literacy. Room-specific effects were observed: heritage exhibits evoked civic and familial themes, while health-related galleries prompted health literacy reflections. Conclusions This pilot study suggests that brief museum-based photo-elicitation can reveal cognitive–affective differences in thematic engagement, highlighting the potential of museums as accessible community resources for supporting healthy and creative aging.