The Meaning of Music in the Lives of Older People: A Qualitative Study

Title
The Meaning of Music in the Lives of Older People: A Qualitative Study
Publication Date
2005
Author(s)
Hays, TN
Minichiello, V
Type of document
Journal Article
Language
en
Entity Type
Publication
Publisher
Sage Publications Ltd
Place of publication
United Kingdom
DOI
10.1177/0305735605056160
UNE publication id
une:780
Abstract
This qualitative study describes the experience of music and focuses on the emotional, social, intellectual and spiritual well-being roles that music plays in the lives of older people. In-depth interviews were used to explore the meaning, importance and function of music for 52 older Australians living in the community aged 60 years and older. The findings revealed that music provides people with ways of understanding and developing their self-identity; connecting with others; maintaining well-being; and experiencing and expressing spirituality. The results show how music contributes to positive ageing by providing ways for people to maintain positive self-esteem, feel competent, independent, and avoid feelings of isolation or loneliness. The study highlights the need to be better informed about how music can facilitate and sustain older people's well-being.
Link
Citation
Psychology of Music, 33(4), p. 437-451
ISSN
1741-3087
0305-7356
Start page
437
End page
451

Files:

NameSizeformatDescriptionLink