Magia Hocus Focus – wykorzystanie ciekawości w pracy edukacyjnej i terapeutycznej  z osobami w starszym wieku

Marlena  Kilian

doi:10.57655/EXLIBRIS_1_2025_4

Published : 2025-09-25

Vol. 28 No. 1 (2025)

Hocus Focus magic. Employing curiosity as a cognitive and social resource in work with older adults

Marlena Kilian

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7285-9784

DOI: https://doi.org/10.57655/EXLIBRIS_1_2025_4

Abstract

Curiosity, as a cognitive mechanism, plays a crucial role in adapting to changing life conditions. It becomes particularly valuable in later adulthood—capable of stimulating mental activity, intrinsic motivation, and social engagement. Despite growing interest in educational and therapeutic support for older adults, there remains a lack of effective and engaging methods that use curiosity as a starting point for activation. This article presents a theoretical and literature-based analysis of the potential application of the art of illusion—specifically the Hocus Focus method—in work with older individuals. It demonstrates that simple magic techniques, based on surprise and cognitive paradox, can effectively stimulate cognitive functions, initiate social interaction, and enhance participants’ sense of agency. Based on a review of literature in neuroscience, pedagogy, and gerontology, as well as practical experience in implementing the Hocus Focus program, the article formulates practical guidelines for using this method in educational and therapeutic contexts. The proposed approach aligns with current discourse on innovative strategies for supporting older adults, emphasizing cognitive stimulation, social integration, and enhancing quality of life in later adulthood.

Keywords:

curiosity, illusion, Hocus Focus, aging, geragogy

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Kilian, M. (2025). Hocus Focus magic. Employing curiosity as a cognitive and social resource in work with older adults. Exlibris Social Gerontology Journal, 28(1), 71–86. https://doi.org/10.57655/EXLIBRIS_1_2025_4

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

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