Advantages Of Music Therapy For Elderly People
Introduction
Elderly people can greatly benefit from music therapy. Research has shown that the elderly with dementia who participate in music therapy have fewer behavioral problems and experienced better quality of life, as well as improved mental health.
What Is Music Therapy?
Music therapy is a form of psychotherapy which uses the therapeutic effects of music to improve a person’s mental and physical health, reduce stress, anxiety and depression. The goal for this type of therapy is not to analyse or interpret the patient’s problem but rather to help them explore feelings that they have been avoiding or suppressing through their use of creativity with sounds, words, images etc.
In short, music therapy is a good medium for exploring personal feelings, emotions and experiences that people have been avoiding.
Who Uses Music Therapy?
Music therapy is generally used by elderly people who have dementia rather than younger people because it helps them to express their feelings and needs in a controlled, safe manner. Older people whose language skills have declined might find that the use of music allows them to participate meaningfully in group activities such as art, drama or recreation programs. Music therapy may also be used for those with aphasia for example where communication is solely through sign language.
What Are The Advantages Of Music Therapy For The Elderly?
Music therapy provides many benefits to elderly people and should be considered as a treatment option. These benefits include:
A. Provides a safe haven where elderly people can relax and express themselves without judgement.
B. Elderly people who benefit from music therapy do not need to be driven to distraction by loud or disturbing music, only gentle background music of which they are fully aware and comfortable with.
C. Provides a release of feelings like anger, and increased self-esteem, which can be beneficial in elderly people who are experiencing depression.
D. Provides an outlet for creativity and self-expression through music which is normally suppressed by the elderly.
E. Provides a better quality of life as elderly people are able to do things they enjoy, such as singing and playing an instrument.
F. It can be used in cases where the patient has a learning disability or dementia.
G. It can be used in conjunction with other treatment methods if required.
H. It can be used for a variety of different conditions, not just mental health problems.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Music Therapy For The Elderly?
Some elderly people may find music therapy difficult due to issues with hearing or sight, although this can easily be overcome. The music therapist may also need to adapt the treatment depending on how well the elderly person is able to hear and perceive music, e.g., by using recordings instead of live music in some cases.
Treatment takes place over a long period of time which can make it difficult for elderly people who are unable to attend regularly. However, there are options available such as providing CDs or tapes for them to use at home.
Participating in music therapy as an active participant requires that you have some degree of ability to sing or play an instrument which may not always be available.
A. Some elderly people may be unable to communicate through music, even if they can communicate verbally.
B. Some people find it difficult to have their words and music interpreted by others in group settings. But it must be noted that this is far less common than the opposite: many more people find it impossible to express themselves through song rather than speaking.
C. Music therapy tends to be highly individualized and holistic, focusing on the whole person, not just a specific problem or health condition. It seeks positive outcomes using music as a resource that can foster change, growth and development.
D. If you are interested in learning more about the effects of music therapy on the elderly I encourage you to look up some research on this topic.
E. Some people may feel that listening to music would be distracting and difficult to do with dementia. It’s important to remember that music therapy can certainly be done with the elderly, but not everyone finds it easy.
F. Though it is true that some elderly people have difficulty understanding music, there are a lot of elderly people who are able to understand music. If a senior is too old or frail to understand the music therapist then they can listen while they slowly become more relaxed and enjoy the treatment.
G. Music therapists will often use different types of therapy depending on the needs of each elderly person. It’s important for clients/patients to be aware of this so as to know what kind of therapy will work best for them.
H. Finally, music therapy can be very beneficial for both the elderly and the music therapist.
I. Elderly people who benefit from music therapy feel better about themselves and their lives. Eventually, this feeling can become contagious and spread to family members and friends which can ultimately help them heal as well. Music therapists benefit from working with these clients because they broaden their own perspectives on life, which includes an understanding of how others live.
J. I think a lot of people feel that music therapy should not be used with the elderly because they feel that listening to loud or disturbing music would cause distress in these individuals.
Conclusion
To conclude, I definitely think that music therapy should not be used with the elderly because they can become easily distressed by loud or disturbing music. However, I am in favor of using it with the elderly since it is a highly beneficial treatment. This will ultimately allow them to heal better because their minds will be calmed and they will feel better about themselves. Music therapy can be very beneficial for both the elderly and the music therapist.
Elderly people who benefit from music therapy feel better about themselves and their lives. Eventually, this feeling can become contagious and spread to family members and friends which can ultimately help them heal as well. Music therapists benefit from working with these clients because they broaden their own perspectives on life, which includes an understanding of how others live.