Music, Senior Centers, and Quality of Life

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

Lisa J. Lehmberg (Author), C. Victor Fung (Author)

9781009164368, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 2 March 2023

220 pages
23.5 x 15.5 x 1.7 cm, 0.47 kg

'In this timely volume, Lehmberg and Fung capture the experiences and voices of musically engaged seniors across multiple sites. A valuable contribution to the field of lifelong music learning, this book offers much to consider for those interested in providing access to quality music making for older adults in center and community settings.' Kari Veblen, Don Wright Faculty of Music University of Western Ontario, Canada

Lisa Lehmberg and Victor Fung present a groundbreaking look at quality of life via the music participation of older adults in diverse US senior centers. The state of musical activities in senior centers pre- and mid-pandemic is elucidated through original research conducted in senior centers across six states. Featured are older adults' stories told in their own words; insights from senior center activity leaders, manage-ment, and staff; and data, analyses, and syntheses from the authors' senior center visits and a survey of center managers. The authors document the adjustment process undergone by these centers during the pandemic and leading into a new normal. Recommendations are o?ered for policy makers, school and community music educators, music activity leaders, older adults, caregivers, and service providers to enhance the quality of life of older adults. The critical role that music plays in supporting their quality of life is emphasized.

Figures and Tables
Dedication
Acknowledgements
Part 1. A New Scene for Exploration: 1. Social and musical responsiveness
2. State of music in U.S. senior centers
Part 2. An Experiential View of Music in Senior Centers: 3. A close-up look at enior centers
4. Music across six senior centers
5. Older adults' perspectives on music
6. Toward enhanced quality of life through musical activities in senior centers
Part 3. Entering a New Normal: 7. Musical opportunities in U.S. senior centers pre- and mid-pandemic
8. Lifelong music participation and new considerations
Appendices
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Educational: Music [YQB], Psychology [JM], Social welfare & social services [JKS], Sociology [JHB]