The power of music in the lives of older adults

Abstract

A compelling body of research demonstrates that music continues to offer powerful potential for enhancing health and well-being in old age. Active music-making has been found to provide a source of enhanced social cohesion, enjoyment, personal development, and empowerment, and to contribute to recovery from depression and maintenance of personal well-being throughout these latter stages of adult life. Within a context where life expectancy at age 65 years is rising rapidly and yet where increasing numbers of older people are reported to be living in isolation or suffering from depression, this body of research has important implications for understanding how access to active music-making may enhance the lives of older people. This article reviews a body of literature relating to specific benefits of active participation in music-making amongst older people. A case study is presented, illustrating some of the key points from the literature. Some barriers to participation are identified and implications for older people and their carers are discussed.

Older people’s motivations for participating in community singing in Australia

“…They were no longer strangers as one stated, they 'recognized each other'. Given the fact that the older people often experience loss and grief of loved ones such as family members or friends (Flood 2005), the social aspect of singing group attendance seemed to provide them with the much-needed psychosocial support, which is also congruent with previous findings about social benefits of choir participation (Bailey and Davidson 2005;Camic et al 2011;Creech et al 2013;Hillman 2002;Joseph 2009;Lally 2009;Lehmberg and Fung 2010;Livesey et al 2012;Gembris 2012). It was clear that they were motivated by this experience of fellowship, such that they kept investing their time and efforts to attend the singing group.…”

“…Previous research has highlighted positive social consequences associated with participating in music for older people, such as socializing with others, feeling supported and experiencing belonging and group membership (Livesey et al 2012;Lally 2009;Creech et al 2013;Joseph 2009;Hillman 2002;Lehmberg and Fung 2010;Camic et al 2011;Bailey and Davidson 2005). Musical activities provide a structure and offer a way to sustain social interaction with others (Gembris 2012).…”

“…Musical activities provide a structure and offer a way to sustain social interaction with others (Gembris 2012). Indeed, for those living alone, the groups offer an opportunity to get out of the house to meet others (Creech et al 2013;Livesey et al 2012).…”

“…The cohort selected for the study are older adults, the rationale being that relatively little attention has been paid to the well-being potential of music in the lives of older people (Creech et al 2013). Due to medical progress and improved quality of life, our society is rapidly growing older, with people experiencing an increased life expectancy (World Health Organization 2011).…”

P.I.A.N.O.

“…Learning to play piano as an adult is often motivated by self-actualization and enjoyment [18]. Active music-making has also been found to enhance the health and well-being of elderly people, and can even contribute to recovery from depression [5]. However, those positive effects will only occur when playing is enjoyable and rewarded [13].…”