Conversations with My Father

Using Music Technology Creatively to Enrich Later-Life: A Literature Review

“…These activities may be of particular importance at a stage of life where the potential for creative growth and expression (Erikson and Erikson, 1998; Weisberger, 2013) may be overshadowed by narratives of decline (Findsen, 2005). Thus, the creative use of music technologies, as evidenced in this literature review, offer strong potential to serve as a vehicle whereby older people may overcome barriers to musicking and, through music, make substantive connections in their lives (Duffey et al, 2008) and engage in purposeful and enriching activities.…”

“…Music technology as a specific tool for reminiscence and life-review was investigated by Duffey et al (2008), who developed a Musical Chronology process, a structured approach whereby clients recollect and share popular songs that are accessed using technology and mapped against significant points in their life journeys. The Musical Chronology has been applied with older adults where there have been reports of “multiple areas of personal growth, including increased self-awareness and self-acceptance, the development of new relationships, increased comfort with being open and authentic in relationships, progress in dealing with grief, a renewed appreciation for life, and hope for the future” [Somody, 2010, p. v–vi].…”

“…The Musical Chronology has been applied with older adults where there have been reports of “multiple areas of personal growth, including increased self-awareness and self-acceptance, the development of new relationships, increased comfort with being open and authentic in relationships, progress in dealing with grief, a renewed appreciation for life, and hope for the future” [Somody, 2010, p. v–vi]. Duffey et al (2008) describe the adaptation of the Musical Chronology as a framework for collaborative life review between adult children and their parents, using one case study to demonstrate how music sharing rituals, supported by technology, offered the opportunity “for older adults to reflect on their pasts, share memories with loved ones, and productively integrate their experience” (p. 60), the latter point referring to a major later-life developmental task (Erikson and Erikson, 1998).…”

“…Technologies that support receptive musicking (e.g., listening devices) as well as active musicking (e.g., motion sensor devices, digital musical instruments, singing apps and music composition or improvisation technologies) have been found to support access to the multiple personal, social, cognitive, and physical benefits that have been associated with musicking (e.g., Ellis, 2004; Rosseland, 2016; Reid et al, 2017; Vahia et al, 2017). Furthermore, music technologies have been shown to function as creative tools that may have the capacity to provide “restorative spaces” (Jansen, 2005) that privilege reflection and reminiscence, personal healing and problem solving (Duffey et al, 2008; Somody, 2010; Connell, 2012; Lazar et al, 2014). These activities may be of particular importance at a stage of life where the potential for creative growth and expression (Erikson and Erikson, 1998; Weisberger, 2013) may be overshadowed by narratives of decline (Findsen, 2005).…”

Creativity and the Golden Years: Biopsychosocial and Cultural Influences for Living a Successful Life

“…Successful aging has been examined from many viewpoints. At the core of most beliefs are universal themes of personal growth, adaptation, health status, and motivation [11,12,13,14,15,16,17]. Successful aging involves the individual's perceived fulfillment in adjusting to physical and cognitive changes while staying connected to others; resulting in a sense of belonging and personal achievement [16].…”