Music Therapy
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10 Ways Music Therapy Can Enhance
the Quality of Life Of the Elderly Person
1. "Where words fail, music speaks" (Hans Christian Anderson). When conversation is difficult because of memory loss, physical or cognitive issues, music becomes a powerful form of communication.
2. Music therapy can lift the veil of disability to reveal the healthy, whole, creative and well person inside.
3. The elderly person can shine in a new light – Music therapists often get to see a special side of the person. As members of a multi-disciplinary health-care team, they can share this unique view with the other team members.
4. Music therapy can stimulate and motivate an elderly person who has retreated into his or her "own world".
5. Music therapy can relax, soothe and calm an elderly person who is anxious, worried or distressed.
6. Music therapy can trigger memories for an elderly person who is losing them.
7. Music therapy is something everyone can succeed at, boosting the self-esteem of the elderly person.
8. Music therapy can liven up the environment, improving the quality of work-life for staff and/or caregivers, which ultimately also positively impacts the elderly person.
9. Music therapy creates a safe and therapeutic place for self-expression, in non-verbal or verbal forms.
10. Music therapy provides an enjoyable social activity where social and communication skills can be re-learned, practiced and maintained.
