How Glasgow Museums Used Digital Tools to Combat Isolation and Support Dementia Care

When the pandemic brought the world to a standstill in 2020, museums faced a significant challenge: how to stay connected with their audiences when doors were closed and physical interaction was unsafe. For Diana Morton, Curator at Glasgow Museums’ Open Museum, the challenge was particularly pressing. Her role focuses on working with older adults and people living with dementia, using museum collections to promote health, wellbeing, and social connection. But how do you continue to support these groups when in-person programmes are no longer possible?

The lockdown disproportionately affected older adults and people with dementia. Many faced increased loneliness, social isolation, and a lack of mental stimulation. Activities they once relied on—from day centres to dementia cafes—were suddenly unavailable. Digital tools became a vital resource, but many older adults were unfamiliar or uncomfortable with technology. Glasgow Museums had to innovate, and fast.

Turning Simple Technology into Powerful Outreach Tools

Before the pandemic, Glasgow Museums’ outreach work with older adults was deeply rooted in face-to-face interactions. From dementia cafes to bespoke projects and exhibitions in care homes, the focus was on hands-on engagement with museum objects and meaningful conversations. However, with lockdown restrictions in place, every aspect of their outreach programme had to be reimagined.

Diana and her team faced several challenges: no prior experience in digital outreach, limited access to collections, and the need to connect with an audience that wasn’t always digitally literate. But rather than see these obstacles as insurmountable, they embraced simple tools and creative thinking to create meaningful engagement opportunities.

One of the earliest projects Diana piloted involved partnering with Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland. This organisation was already working to improve digital literacy among older adults, making them ideal collaborators. Together, they developed a weekly email programme featuring images of museum objects accompanied by discussion prompts. Participants were encouraged to respond however they liked—writing, drawing, sharing memories, or even finding additional information online.

This low-tech approach proved remarkably effective. It provided mental stimulation, helped participants practice IT skills, and fostered a sense of community. Responses were shared among the group, creating connections despite physical isolation.

Virtual Discos: Bringing Joy and Connection to Isolated Homes

One of the standout successes of Glasgow Museums’ digital outreach programme was their collaboration with Weekday Wow Factor’s Daytime Discos. Before the pandemic, these discos were held in a nightclub in Glasgow, offering older adults an opportunity to socialise, dance, and stay active.

When the discos moved online, Diana joined forces with the organisers to incorporate museum quizzes into the virtual sessions. Using simple tools like PowerPoint and Zoom, she ran quizzes themed around museum collections, linking objects to broader topics such as Scottish history, Bollywood cinema, or seasonal festivities.

After the quizzes, participants would get up from their chairs and dance to music streamed through Zoom. From Elvis classics to contemporary hits, the virtual dance floor became a space for joy, connection, and movement. For those less inclined to dance, walking groups offered an alternative—virtual tours of international destinations accompanied by on-the-spot walking.

Art Connections: Combining Digital Resources with In-Person Visits

As restrictions eased, Diana and her team explored blended models of outreach that combined digital activities with in-person visits. The Art Connections project exemplified this approach.

Supported by funding from the Life Changes Trust, Art Connections focused on engaging people with dementia and their carers through creative activities. Care homes received bespoke art packs containing materials, instructional videos, and prompts. These were followed by in-person visits to the Glasgow Museums Resource Centre, where participants could interact with real artworks and take part in hands-on workshops.

This blended approach offered the best of both worlds: the accessibility of digital resources and the sensory richness of physical museum visits. Feedback from participants and care home staff highlighted the profound impact of these activities, with one resident commenting, “Am I allowed to come back?”

Social Connection at the Heart of Digital Engagement

Throughout these initiatives, one recurring theme emerged: the importance of social connection. Whether through weekly emails, online quizzes, or group discussions on Zoom, each activity was designed not just to share knowledge or entertain, but to create moments of connection.

Feedback from participants underscored the value of these interactions. Digital activities not only helped combat loneliness but also provided structure and routine during uncertain times. For some, engaging with museum resources improved their digital literacy, enabling them to stay in touch with family and friends via video calls.

Five Key Lessons for Museums Supporting Older Adults and People with Dementia

Diana Morton’s experience with Glasgow Museums’ digital outreach programme offers valuable insights for other museum professionals looking to engage older audiences:

1. Keep it Simple: You don’t need advanced technology to create meaningful digital programmes. Tools like PowerPoint, Zoom, and email can go a long way.
2. Collaborate with Partners: Partnering with organisations already working with older adults can help you reach your audience more effectively.
3. Focus on Connection: Activities should prioritise social connection as much as knowledge-sharing.
4. Embrace Flexibility: What works for one group might not work for another. Be prepared to experiment and adapt.
5. Blend Digital and In-Person Engagement: Where possible, combine online activities with physical experiences for a richer engagement.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Digital and Blended Outreach

The pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital tools in museum outreach, but the lessons learned during this time have enduring value. As Diana Morton’s work demonstrates, digital engagement is not just a temporary solution—it’s a powerful tool that can complement and enhance traditional museum outreach.

For older adults, especially those who may face barriers to visiting museums in person, digital outreach offers a lifeline. It creates opportunities for connection, creativity, and intellectual stimulation, regardless of physical distance.

As museums look to the future, the challenge will be to continue building on these successes, refining digital strategies, and finding new ways to bridge the gap between physical and virtual engagement. With creativity, collaboration, and a focus on people, museums can play a vital role in supporting health, wellbeing, and social connection for older audiences.

–

Diana Morton’s presentation at the Museums, Health & Wellbeing Summit showcased how digital outreach, even with limited resources, can create profound impacts.