Finding voice and purpose in the nineties: a case study of resilience and learning through creative outlet

Despite growing recognition of creative ageing, limited research examines how older adults, particularly those in their nineties, draw on a lifetime of creative practice as a resilience mechanism whilst navigating later life transitions. Current scholarship emphasises the protective role of meaningful activity in older age yet rarely explores how creative risk-taking and performance sustain wellbeing, learning and identity in advanced years. This Australian qualitative study employed a semi-structured interview and personal artefacts, capturing the lived experiences and histories of Liz, a 95-year-old actively engaged with a range of creative pursuits, including classes in the University of the Third Age (U3A), writing projects and stand-up comedy performance. Utilising Fergus and Zimmerman’s Resiliency Theory, the research examines how creative participation functions as both protective and promotive factors, buffering age-related challenges whilst enabling continued personal development and social relevance. Analysis reveals three interconnected themes: creative outlets facilitate accessible expressive spaces for older adults; peer learning communities support experimentation with new art forms; and creative practice enables resilient adaptation to ageing. Liz’s journey from doll-making entrepreneurship through poetry to comedy demonstrates how structured yet flexible learning and productive environments enable older adults to discover latent talents, maintain cognitive vitality, and construct narratives of growth.