To make museums and local cultural centers more accessible and inclusive for people of all ages, the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Taichung City Government has created the “Five Senses Healing Treasure Chest.” By transforming museum relics into interactive activities, these resources are brought directly to community centers, addressing accessibility challenges for seniors who have mobility issues or are unaccustomed to visiting such venues. This program encourages seniors to explore museums in a relaxed way, helping them reminisce about the past, improve cognitive function, strengthen social skills, and spark interest in cultural experiences through enjoyable activities. After the activities, a “Fun Wisdom Card” is given to senior participants, allowing them to collect stamps. It also incentivizes them to step outside and explore different cultural and artistic venues across Taichung and immerse themselves in the city’s diverse culture.
In 2023, the Cultural Affairs Bureau incorporated relics from the Taichung Military Kindred Village Museum, and Old Farmhouse Cultural Museum in Taiping District with herbs selected from the Lifu Museum of Chinese Medicine to create a three-piece “Treasure Chest” set that is designed to engage the senses of smell and touch while encouraging users to use their calculation and cognitive skills. In 2024, the Bureau organized training sessions for new instructors from the Social Affairs Bureau, Health Bureau, Hakka Affairs Council, and Indigenous Peoples Council. After completing the training, these instructors used the Treasure Chests to bring museum experiences directly to community centers and care stations across Taichung, enriching the cultural lives of local seniors. By the end of 2024, the program had trained over 400 individuals through workshops and lectures and organized more than 100 healing activities.
The Cultural Affairs Bureau noted that an aging society is inevitable nowadays and that Taiwan will enter a super-aged society by 2025. In addition to their traditional role as venues for learning and leisure, museums and cultural centers can also be part of the social support network. By fostering partnerships across museums, schools, hospitals, and communities, the Bureau aims to leverage the expertise of medical institutions and the artistic and cultural atmosphere of cultural venues to transform the lifestyles of seniors and enhance brain stimulation. Through engaging in artistic and cultural activities, the Bureau aims to motivate seniors to venture outside, keep emotional balance and physical health.
The Cultural Affairs Bureau noted that the Age-Friendly Program enriches senior citizens' lives with diverse artistic and cultural offerings, extending museum and cultural center activities to local communities. Moving forward, the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Taichung City Government will continue to promote and refine this program, positioning cultural centers as good partners in community activities. By breathing new life into cultural relics and empowering the elderly, the program creates a harmonious synergy between cultural venues and seniors, working towards a more inclusive, age-friendly, and livable city.