Aversion from Specific Inter-element Disjunction

For a 77-year-old, the ability to perceive, analyze, and resolve aesthetic disharmony (specific inter-element disjunction) in their environment contributes significantly to cognitive vitality, emotional well-being, and a sense of agency. The Naef Cubicus Building Blocks are selected as the primary developmental tool because they provide an unparalleled platform for engaging directly with this concept. Crafted by Swiss designers, these high-quality, abstract wooden blocks compel the user to consider the relationship between individual geometric forms, their scale, proportion, and arrangement. The meditative process of arranging these blocks naturally brings to light instances where specific elements clash or don't feel harmonious within a composition, allowing the individual to actively identify, articulate, and resolve these 'disjunctions'. This hands-on, creative problem-solving fosters cognitive flexibility, spatial reasoning, and refined aesthetic judgment without being overly strenuous or frustrating.

Implementation Protocol for a 77-year-old:

1. Comfortable Setup: Ensure a quiet, well-lit, and comfortable workspace with a stable, flat surface (e.g., a sturdy table). Consider an ergonomic chair to support posture during engagement.
2. Initial Exploration (Free Play): Encourage the individual to simply handle the blocks, feel their weight and texture, and begin arranging them without any specific goal. This allows for familiarization and reduces performance pressure.
3. Guided Composition: Introduce prompts such as 'create a small sculpture where all parts feel connected' or 'build a structure that evokes a sense of calm'. This gently directs attention to harmonious relationships.
4. Disjunction Identification Exercise: Propose an exercise where they intentionally create an arrangement that feels 'off' or 'unbalanced' and then verbalize why specific elements create a sense of disjunction. This sharpens their analytical skills regarding aesthetic disharmony.
5. Resolution & Refinement: Guide them to re-arrange the 'disjunctive' elements until a more harmonious composition is achieved. Encourage experimentation with different placements, rotations, and juxtapositions.
6. Reflection & Articulation: Facilitate discussions about their creative process, their aesthetic preferences, and the principles of harmony and contrast they observed. For instance, 'What did you change, and how did that make it feel different?' or 'Which two pieces did not seem to belong together initially, and why?'
7. Pacing and Social Engagement: Keep sessions to a comfortable duration (e.g., 20-45 minutes) to prevent fatigue. These blocks are also excellent for shared activity with family or friends, encouraging conversation and collaborative problem-solving around aesthetic principles.