Intersection of Music and Mental Health: Older Adults

The mental health needs of older adults are unique.

As we age, we are more likely to impacted by 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.

Below is the list of speakers and their presentation titles:

Keynote Speakers

Patterns in the Fog: Music and Dementia
Christopher Bailey
Arts and Health Lead
World Health Organization

Older Adults, Mental Health and Emerging Technologies: Defining New Opportunities
Dr. Ipsit Vahia, M.D.
Associate Chief, Division of Geriatric Psychiatry
McLean Hospital

Speakers

Seu Aprendiz: A Suicide Prevention Campaign
Haengsoo (Ray) Seol, Ed.D.
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
Dr. Patricia (Trish) Winter, Ph.D., MT-BC
Human Subjects Research and Ethics Education Manager
Carilion Clinic

Joanna Culligan, M.A., MT-BC
Therapeutic Program Manager
Adult Day Services of Virginia Tech

Music Therapy and Creative Aging in Virtual Spaces
Dr. Melita Belgrave, Ph.D., MT-BC
Associate Professor
Arizona State University

Increasing Wellbeing and Enhancing Relationships Through Community-Based Music Therapy
Robin Rio, M.A., MT-BC
Adjunct Professor
Virginia Commonwealth University

Tell Your Story: Intergenerational Healing
Renate Rohlfing, M.A., MT-BC
Associate Professor, Music Therapy
Berklee College of Music

Performance and Q&A
Golden Tones Chorus