Music Therapy for Seniors & Aging Adults

Sessions for this population can be through contracts with facilities or privately. Sessions can be held in group or individual settings with a focus on improving cognition, socialization, relaxation, exercise, and spiritual comfort. The following are the types of settings in which music therapy can take place:

  • Memory care, dementia, Alzheimer’s

  • Residential and assisted living

  • Independent living

  • Hospice and palliative care

  • End of life

  • Rehabilitation

Various types of research (empirical, philosophical, case studies, and descriptive) have indicated that music therapy accomplishes a variety of objectives for individuals in assisted living or memory care facilities.  Some of these include:

Objectives

  • Increased attention

  • Increased gross and fine motor skills

  •  Improved cognitive functioning

  • Increased self-awareness

  • Improve mood

  • Decreased anxiety

  • Self-expression

  • Decreased agitation

  • Improve group cohesiveness

Techniques

  • Instrument and/or vocal play

  • Music as relaxation

  • Music listening

  • Group dancing

  • Group improvisation

  • Song choice

  • Therapeutic singing

  • Solo instrumental/vocal performances

  • Song recall

  • Iso Principle (use music to support emotions and increase self-awareness

  • Movement set to live or recorded music