Intersection of Music and Mental Health: Older Adults
Christopher Bailey, World Health Organization
Stefanie Belnavis
About
The mental health needs of older adults are unique.
As we age, we are more likely to experience the loss of family or friends, living alone, and chronic illness impacting our social circles while simultaneously increasing feelings of loneliness. Research suggests that one in four older adults experiences issues with their mental health that put their overall health at risk. Music-based experiences are an engaging, motivating, and affirmative process that improve mental health outcomes and experiences.
From personal enjoyment to structured therapeutic programs, music experiences can:
- evoke positive memories and meaningful associations
- create a sense of community
- increase self-expression
- increase physical activity
- boost mood, provide a sense of purpose
- maintain or improve cognitive functioning
- enhance overall quality of life
During an event held on October 7 at Berklee, leading experts came together to explore and put forth agendas of action for research and programming focused on the arts as a viable tool for improving the mental health and well-being of older adults.
Schedule
Keynote: Patterns in the Fog: Music and Dementia with Christopher Bailey, Arts and Health Lead, World Health Organization
Keynote: Older Adults, Mental Health and Emerging Technologies: Defining New Opportunities with Dr. Ipsit Vahia, MD, Associate Chief, Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, McLean Hospital
Seu Aprendiz: A Suicide Prevention Campaign with Haengsoo (Ray) Seol, EdD, Associate Director for Graduate Student Activities and Student Leadership Development, Brown University
The Impact of Music Therapy on Social Connectedness, Interrelatedness, and Mental Health Outcomes Among People with Alzheimer’s Disease and Their Caregivers: A Quasi-Experimental Electroencephalography Study with Dr. Patricia (Trish) Winter, PhD, MT-BC, Human Subjects Research and Ethics Education Manager, Carilion Clinic and Joanna Culligan, MA, MT-BC, Therapeutic Program Manager, Adult Day Services of Virginia Tech
Music Therapy and Creative Aging in Virtual Spaces with Dr. Melita Belgrave, PhD, MT-BC, Associate Professor, Arizona State University
Increasing Wellbeing and Enhancing Relationships Through Community-Based Music Therapy with Robin Rio, M.A., MT-BC, Adjunct Professor, Virginia Commonwealth University
Tell Your Story: Intergenerational Healing with Renate Rohlfing, MA, MT-BC, Associate Professor, Music Therapy, Berklee College of Music
Performance by Golden Tones Chorus