Insights from an early-stage development mixed methods study on arts-based interventions for older adults following hospitalisation

•This precursor study provides important insights to inform future studies in the area of arts for health and wellbeing for older adults.•Difficulties in recruiting an incident cohort and participation in arts based interventions were identified.•Alternative strategies to enhance feasibility are suggested.•Participants enjoyed the tailored arts based interventions ‘It brought some light into our lives, it was wonderful’.