Project Title: Exploring music listening
for older adults’ well-being
Dr Amanda Krause, Responsible Researcher, krausea[at]unimelb.edu.au
Prof Jane Davidson, Co-Researcher, j.davidson[at]unimelb.edu.au
ARC Centre of Excellence for the History of Emotions and the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, The University of Melbourne
Aims and Objectives
This research aims to understand what elements of music listening specifically reduce loneliness and depression to promote well-being in older individuals living in aged care facilities. It investigates two music listening methods specifically designed to promote aged care home residents’ well-being: reminiscence-based radio programming aimed at the target age but of a generalised nature and personalised iPod playlists designed to provide highly individualised listening experiences.
Ethics Information: The University of Melbourne Approval Number: 1851094.1
Project components
Phase 1 (In-depth interviews with individuals)
Phase 2 (A 6-month trial)
Results
A summary of the project findings will be posted on this project webpage when available.
We have published a journal article detailing findings from
this project [Phase 1].
In this study, we explored older adults’ experiences of
music listening in their daily lives while living in residential aged-care and
considered how music listening might support their well-being. 32 Australian
residents (aged 73–98) living in two Australian care facilities participated in
semi-structured interviews. The results revealed three themes pertaining to
“previous music experiences and interest,” “current music listening,” and
“barriers to listening.” While an interest in and access to music did not
necessarily result in everyday listening practices, of those participants who
did listen to music, perceived benefits included outcomes such as
entertainment, enjoyment, relaxation, and mood regulation. In the article we
address the theoretical implications of the findings, relating to how to create
and support music activities in aged-care facilities so that they are engaging,
meaningful, and promote emotional regulation, community, and well-being.
You can access and download the full article at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.585557/full
The reference is:
Krause, A. E.,
& Davidson, J. W. (2021). A qualitative exploration of aged-care
residents’ everyday music listening practices and how these may support
psychosocial well-being. Frontiers in Psychology, 12: 585557. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.585557
