Music Therapy with Older Adults
In a youth-oriented society, aging has long been associated with senility, passivity, and weakness. However, with advancements in health care increasing life expectancy, many older adults remain active, independent, and productive—challenging these outdated assumptions. A large number of older adults are basically healthy, and enjoy independent productive lives.
Staying engaged with life—whether through physical activity, creative pursuits, or social interactions—is key to maintaining health and well-being in later years. Being engaged in activities that challenge mental and physical functioning, such as playing musical instruments and dancing, not only help us stay physically healthy, but mentally and emotionally as well. Engagement with music and musical instruments, for example, is associated with lower risks for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Research with the “healthy elderly” shows they often enjoy the intellectual and social benefits of participating in musical activities such as choirs, bands or music appreciation groups.
One complication that is often associated with getting older is hearing loss. While aging can impact pitch discrimination and rhythmic perception, it does not necessarily reduce the emotional and cognitive enjoyment of music. Older adults often gravitate toward familiar songs from their youth, finding deep personal connection in music, regardless of minor auditory changes. Just watch someone tapping their toes to a tune they may have danced to in their youth and you’ll realize that older adults like all kinds of music, not just the quiet, slow moving stuff.
While some may think of passive music listening as the only avenue of enjoyment for older adults, it’s simply not true. Many older adults express interest in playing musical instruments. Musical hobbies begun in early childhood may re-emerge now that the pressures of making a living or raising a family have declined.
This deep-rooted connection to music is where therapeutic applications become particularly powerful. As a music therapist working with the elderly, I have seen firsthand how music improves health outcomes and enhances quality of life. Music can be used to encourage social involvement, enhance physical activities, and serve as a method of self expression, even in old age. Clients with various forms of dementia can be helped by musical interventions to reinforce memories and slow the progress of the disease. Terminally ill adults may choose specific songs to express their spiritual beliefs as they face their own mortality. They may also use music as a way to help leave a message of love and legacy for the loved ones who will survive them.
From infancy to old age, music remains one of the most powerful tools for connection, healing, and self-expression. Its flexibility as a therapeutic medium makes it indispensable in promoting well-being throughout life.. Music can be enjoyed by all ages, which reflects in its flexibility as a therapeutic tool. These aspects of music are taken into consideration by music therapists when designing treatment protocols in order to maximize the therapeutic impact and the engagement of the people they are working with.
