The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of rhythm-based music therapy on the quality of life of well older adults. Seven well older adults residing in an assisted living facility participated in four 30-minute rhythm-based music therapy sessions over a period of four weeks. The sessions consisted of structured group percussion activities. Subjects completed the Quality of Life Inventory pretest and posttest measuring quality of life. A t-test for related samples was used to analyze the data. Quality of life did not increase significantly (p

Music for Life: Music Participation and Quality of Life of Senior Citizens presents a fresh, new exploration of the impact of musical experiences on the quality of life of senior citizens, and charts a new direction in the facilitation of the musical lives of people of all ages. Authors Fung and Lehmberg clearly define the issues surrounding music education, music participation, quality of life, and senior citizens, discussing the most relevant research from the fields of music education, adult learning, lifelong learning, gerontology, medicine, music therapy, and interdisciplinary studies. At the heart of the book is Evergreen Town, a retirement community in the southeastern U.S.A., that serves as the backdrop for three original research studies. The first of these is in two phases, a survey and a focus group interview, that examines the histories and rationales for the music participations and non-participations of community residents. The second and third case studies take an in-depth look at a church choir and a bluegrass group, two prominent musical groups in the community, and include the perspectives of the authors themselves as group members and participant-observers. Fung and Lehmberg conclude with a challenge for the profession of music education: to act on this research and on the current advances in the field, to enable all people to benefit from the richness of music as a substantial contributor to quality of life.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of music therapy on the quality of life of people with symptoms of dementia. Both self-reported and caregiver-reported quality of life scores were recorded before and after an eight-week treatment period. A control group of discussion and an experimental group of music therapy were included in the study, with a sample size of N = 13. Analysis of the data was done with t tests. No statistical significance was found when comparing the average quality of life scores in the discussion group or the music therapy group from pretest to posttest, in either the self-reported or caregiver-reported scores. Also, there was no statistically significant difference in the changes of scores between the experimental or control group from pretest to posttest in either self-reported or caregiver-reported quality of life scores. Finally, there was no difference in the posttest scores between the self-reported and caregiver-reported quality of life scores. Recommendations for further research include using a larger sample size, comparing the results of participants with different levels of symptoms of dementia, and comparing different types of music therapy, including vocal versus instrumental, live versus recorded music, or active versus passive participation.

Through music therapy interventions individuals with disabilities are encouraged to increase vocalization and make movements to music. Individuals who have Intellectual Disabilities all have diverse strengths, weaknesses, needs, and personalities. Within a group with a variety of individuals it is clear, however, that there are several marked characteristics and needs, which may be common to many individuals with Intellectual Disabilities. Two difficult commonly faced are in the area of vocalization skills and gross motor skills (Peters 84). Developing vocalization skills can assist individuals with Intellectual Disabilities in being able to communicate within their community more clearly. Vocalization aids in the development of functional communication skills. It also helps individuals with Intellectual Disabilities communicate their specific needs, wants, and wants, and discomforts within the community. Improving gross motor skills would help individuals to increase their personal independence, not only at the day care center but also in the community. In general, both vocalization and gross motors skill development helps to improve the self-help skills of individuals with Intellectual Disabilities, which in-turn increases quality of life. Young adults with disabilities attend daily art and music therapy centered classes aimed at helping to improve daily functioning and increase community integration. A unique and diverse group of students with disabilities attend day programs and communicate by using both verbal and nonverbal communication. Decreased vocalization can make it difficult for some students to clearly express their needs and wants. Limited motor skill decreases participation at a day program, and in home and community activities. Music therapy interventions will assist and encourage individuals with disabilities to increase vocalization and make movements to music, which in turn will improve their quality of life.

Older adults' stories and researchers' insights show how music participation in US senior centers enhances quality of life.

In this comprehensively updated second edition, written by Alicia Ann Clair and Jenny Memmott the extraordinary benefits of music therapy for older adults are detailed. Therapeutic Uses of Music with Older Adults not only examines these benefits but also clarifies the reasons that music is beneficial. This important book shows both informal and formal caregivers how to use music to enhance the quality of life of older adults - including people with physical impairments and people with dementia. Written by two of the nation's leading music therapists, Therapeutic Uses of Music with Older Adults offers strategies for using music to: provide diversion for inactivity, discomfort, and daily routine; decrease symptoms of depression, anxiety insomnia, and agitation; handle problem behaviors; provide physical and emotional stimulation; help in the rehabilitation of people with cardiac disease, Parkinson's disease, and impairments related to stroke; help in the management of pain; facilitate social integration; communication; and the expression of feelings, including anger and grief; and relieve the stress and tension associated with caring for older adults.