(2011) Music for Life Project: The role of participation in community music activities in promoting social engagement and well-being in older people
in Qualitative
Presents findings from the New Dynamics of Ageing (NDA) Music for Life Project. The aims of the project were: to explore the way in which participating in creative music-making activities can enhance the lives of older people; to consider the extent to which this may impact on social, emotional and cognitive well-being; and to consider the specific processes through which this occurs. Key findings from the research included: measures of well being were consistently higher amongst the music participants (n=398) than amongst the comparison group (n=102); there was some positive change over time on quality of life measures, for those involved in musical activities; participants reported social, cognitive, emotional and health benefits of participation in music; some barriers to participation were identified, relating to access to information, structural, dispositional and social issues.
Published by the NDA Research Programme. Nda findings #9. November 2011.
www.newdynamics.group.shef.ac.uk/nda-findings-9.html