Fig. 2

Programme theory. Our rapid realist review highlighted how tailoring can help to ensure that an older person is receptive to the idea of engaging with a cultural offer. It also suggested some broad aspects of tailoring that cultural providers should consider when developing cultural offers (e.g. making sure people feel safe—physically and psychologically, that they can access offers—physically but also online, creating offers that are entertaining or absorbing, and providing a welcoming atmosphere, whether in-person or online). Through tailoring to optimise uptake of cultural offers and enjoyment/engagement with them, we propose that older people may experience one or more of the following benefits—being distracted from worries/concerns, feeling psychologically held, connecting with others, transforming their sense of self and place in the world