Table 2.

A small selection of stories from older adults aging with/into disabilities.

Don, a Black, Indigenous Two-Spirit person in his late 60s, is passionate about and an advocate for Indigenous issues, including the ongoing legacies of the Canadian Indian Residential School System, Two-Spirit culture, and Indigenous men's health. He enjoys using art, including painting, beadwork, and diamond pin art, to explore and celebrate his multiple identities as a double leg amputee and person aging with HIV. Don wants to visit local art galleries; however, as a wheelchair user, he regularly contends with environments that do not anticipate disabled people. Don is also restricted by the cost and location of such activities.

Ida, a woman in her late 60s living with post-traumatic stress disorder, enjoys the performing arts (e.g., tap dance) and textile arts (e.g., knitting). At the beginning of the pandemic, Ida learned how to upcycle old furniture and she participated in a few online arts classes (e.g., painting); however, she felt out of place because many of the other participants had advanced knowledge and skills. Despite having limited experience, Ida enjoys online options to participate in the visual arts, especially when navigating tough days with her mental health.

Bernie, a trans non-binary person in their late 70s who “transitioned late in life,” struggles to find activities that are not divided by binary notions of sex and gender (e.g., woman/man). During the height of pandemic lockdowns, they attended several programs and research activities that offered free arts-based content to seniors and/or people with mental health conditions. Living alone and grieving after the loss of their beloved cats, Bernie depended on these online activities for their social aspect, despite feeling “zoomed out” and stiff. Bernie generally seeks activities that explicitly display 2SLGBTQ+ inclusive symbols.

Dorica, a woman in her early 60s who has mobility issues and “a really big stomach,” uses a walker and a local paratransit service to get around and lives with a mental health condition that affects her sleep cycle—factors that shape her ability to participate in creative endeavors outside of the home. Prior to the pandemic, Dorica attended some creative in-person programs (e.g., coloring) primarily for the social aspect and enjoyment these activities provided. Dorica would like to visit art galleries in person; however, in such spaces, she needs access to spacious washrooms to accommodate both her body and walker and free or low-cost activities.

Lynne, an immigrant woman in her early 60s living with spinal disabilities and chronic pain, is a retired cake decorator and bakery owner. Living with an autoimmune condition, Lynne remains COVID-cautious because she caught COVID twice within the span of 6 months. As a chronically ill person, Lynne identifies as feeling “extremely lonely” and limited, especially as others around her started to return to in-person activities. She is interested in participating in art activities that help her combat loneliness and distract her from “looking out the window to see if anyone's come to see you.” The extensive time commitments and pacing of in-person activities, as well as the transportation to and cost of such activities, are challenging for her.

Anthony, an immigrant man aging into cognitive differences in his late 80s, has had a life-long passion to be an artist, but was pressured by his father to take up a more lucrative career in the trades instead. Once retired, Anthony returned to his passion and enrolled to take watercolor classes at the local library and became a Master Gardener. During COVID, Anthony attends online activities with the help of his wife, who increasingly provides greater assistance to him, including technological assistance.

Radia, a Black immigrant woman in her early 60s living with mobility and heart issues and recovering from cancer treatment, used to attend a weekly local knitting class, a treasured activity that reminds her of Sudan (her place of origin); however, Radia stopped attending when she experienced anti-Black racism. Radia wants to learn more about how to participate in online arts programming because getting around by foot is increasingly difficult and she has lots of free time; however, Radia worries that texting or writing in English may be a challenge.