Music, Wellness, and Aging
Defining, Directing, and Celebrating Life

This definitive account of the intersection between music, wellness, and aging explores deeper aspects of human nature and later life.

Scott F. Madey (Author), Dean D. VonDras (Author)

9781108844697, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 21 October 2021

300 pages
23.5 x 15.8 x 2 cm, 0.54 kg

'The authors have managed to weave current social issues and scientific, philosophical, spiritual, and psychological literature together into one magnificent symphony. It is a beautiful homage to the power of music. This is a truly wonderful source for both scholars and music lovers!' Toru Sato, Professor of Psychology, Shippensburg University, USA

Music is a metaphor that connects people to a profound sense of life. In this book, music intersects with wellness and aging as humans adapt to life changes, stay engaged, remain creative, and achieve self-actualization. Along with discussion of cutting-edge research, the book presents stories and interviews from everyday people as well as professional and non-professional musicians. It discusses individual and social wellness, age-related and pathological changes in health, music therapies, personal resilience and growth, interpersonal and community relationships, work and retirement, spirituality, and the psychology of aging. The case studies show how music, wellness, and aging connect to define, direct, and celebrate life, as these three concepts allow people to connect with others, break down barriers, and find common ground.

1. Overture
2. In Search of a Perfect Harmony: Music and Wellness in Later-Life
3. Hearing the Muse's Message: Changes in Sensory-Perceptual and Cognitive Processes
4. Sing a New Song! Therapeutic Interventions with Music
5. Trio: Resilience, Recovery, and Growth
6. Tutti: Music and Relationships – Interpersonal and Social-Community
7. Rhythm and Blues: Work and Retirement
8. Requiem: Spirituality and End-of-Life
9. CODA: Defining, Directing, and Celebrating Life.

Subject Areas: Child & developmental psychology [JMC], Psychology [JM], Music [AV]