Does active engagement in community music support the well-being of older people?

Hallam, Susan; Creech, Andrea; Varvarigou, Maria; McQueen, Hilary; Gaunt, Helena

doi:10.1080/17533015.2013.809369

Cited by 51 publications

(26 citation statements)

References 22 publications

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“…The first phase of the Music for Life Project had explored the social, emotional, and cognitive benefits of participation in music among older people (Creech, Hallam, Varvarigou et al, 2013;Hallam et al, 2014). In accordance with the general literature concerned with teaching older learners, the Music for Life Project found that facilitators played a key role in fostering effective outcomes for participants.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 95%

Critical geragogy: A framework for facilitating older learners in community music

Creech¹,

Hallam²

2015

London Review of Education

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The principal aim of this paper is to address the question of whether and how professional practice within an informal teaching and learning context (music) may be understood through a critical-geragogy lens. Secondly, we consider whether critical geragogy has relevance to and potential applications for enhancing practice among facilitators of older learners in community contexts. Geragogy refers to the management of teaching and learning for older adults and has become a well-known term applied to teaching and learning in later life. Critical geragogy retains the focus on older adults, but challenges the beliefs, practices, and structures related to ageing, supports older learners in overcoming alienation and developing a sense of powerful agency, and offers resources for purposeful collective action. In this paper we analyse the narratives of 13 facilitators of musical activities for older people, interpreting their reflections on practice within a critical-geragogy framework. The interviews, focusing on good practice in facilitating older learners, were carried out as part of the second phase of the Music for Life Project, funded by the UK Research Councils. A thematic analysis was undertaken, using a framework that was structured around person-centred, fellow-centred, and matter-centred goals. The interviews revealed that musical groups provided informal learning contexts where facilitators aspired to empower their participants through developing a positive interpersonal climate, valuing participation, using the participants' prior experiences as a resource, and guiding their groups towards creative expression as well as progression.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 95%

Critical geragogy: A framework for facilitating older learners in community music

Creech¹,

Hallam²

2015

London Review of Education

Self Cite

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“…While health benefits are associated with listening to music, positive mental and physical effects are also connected with actively engaging in creating music (Creech et al, 2013;Hallam et al, 2014;Robb et al, 2008). Many individuals of all ages participate in active music making, through group activities, such as being in a band, an improvisational group or choir, as well as individually playing a musical instrument or singing.…”

Section: Benefits Of Music Makingmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Research has consistently found that creating music has positive psychological effects for all ages from children to older adults. Music makers have improved selfesteem, perception of self-worth and perceived quality of life; this may be because of an increased sense of purpose, accomplishment and identity associated with music making (Barrett, 2014;Croom, 2014;Hallam et al, 2014). Performing and creating music in groups can provide additional benefits for individuals, giving participants an increased sense of pride and accomplishment, increased social satisfaction and affirmation, which includes positive social relationships (Bailey, 2005;Susan Hallam et al, 2014).…”

Section: Benefits Of Music Makingmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The movements used to make music can strengthen muscles and increase range of motion (Lee & Nantais, 1995). Creating music with body movements can be an exercise routine in itself that is beneficial to participants (Giovagnoli, 2014;Hallam et al, 2014). The added purpose of the music making can increase motivation and pleasure, which may encourage participation in exercise (Lee & Nantais, 1995;Paul & Ramsey, 1998).…”

Section: Physical Benefitsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Older adults value inexpensive exercise programs, with an experienced instructor who can lead them in performing simple and moderate-intensity exercises. Older adults, particularly women, also appreciate having a social component to the exercise programs (Hallam et al, 2014;Schutzer & Graves, 2004).…”

Section: Barriers and Motivationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Designing Responsive Music Making Devices: Creating Positive Exercise Experiences for Seniors

Wongkee¹

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As the population grows older, it is increasingly important to address the challenges associated with aging, such as health decline and loss of independence.Exercise can help seniors remain physically fit, but seniors often are unable to exercise regularly because of barriers and lack of motivation. Current research suggests that music making may provide health benefits and motivate individuals to exercise. This interdisciplinary study combines the fields of music making and design in relation to aging in order to address the question of how design can be used to create devices for seniors to make music, creating a more positive exercise experience. The topic was explored using qualitative design research methods. Music making devices were used as technology probes in a seniors' fitness class, an expert interview was conducted with a fitness instructor, and a co-design workshop was held with seniors. The findings suggest that music making can influence the participants' behaviour in a fitness class and could be used to motivate seniors to exercise. Based on the research, several design recommendations were made concerning the sensory aspects of the object, such as the audio and visual feedback and the tactile experience, and the usability and features of the product.

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How Music and Social Engagement Provides Healthy Aging and Prevents Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia

Ridder

2018

Music and Public Health

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Music is much more than a simple stimulus bringing individual pleasure; it also facilitates interpersonal synchrony. In this chapter professor of music therapy, Hanne Mette Ridder, brings together evidence from various disciplines to provide a new perspective on how music stimulates social engagement and learning, and further affects cognitive reserve and the way we age. Music and musical elements affect listeners differently but seem to regulate our body and brain at a much deeper level than we are aware of. When music touches and engages us, a release of the neurotransmitter Norepinephrine follows. This process involves the brain stem (more precisely the locus coeruleus) and a compensatory effect is observed. By engaging in music from early childhood, preventive mechanisms add to healthy aging and may even slow down the development of dementia symptoms, although it cannot prevent dementia. In addition, through musical interaction, meaningful expression of psychosocial needs may indirectly lead to a reduction of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. For the person with severe dementia, with sensory and cognitive decline, this offers a healthy means of remaining active, autonomous and integrated.

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Does active engagement in community music support the well-being of older people?

Cited by 51 publications

References 22 publications

Critical geragogy: A framework for facilitating older learners in community music

Critical geragogy: A framework for facilitating older learners in community music

Designing Responsive Music Making Devices: Creating Positive Exercise Experiences for Seniors

How Music and Social Engagement Provides Healthy Aging and Prevents Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia

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