Name
573 - Music, Learning and Life: A Study of Course Design and Feedback from Older Adults
Date & Time
Monday, July 27, 2026, 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Description
Population aging has become a global concern, with increasing attention to strategies that safeguard the health and well-being of older adults. Within this context, music—whether as therapy or leisure—has been widely embraced by older adults and recognized in medical and caregiving fields. Music activities can stimulate kinesthetic responses through auditory input, integrate playful elements into musical settings, and engage multiple senses to enhance both physical and emotional well-being.This study recruited 13 participants aged 60 and above from a community in Taipei, Taiwan, and implemented a four-week multisensory music course, with weekly 90-minute sessions. Activities included Boomwhackers performance, singing, rhythmic percussion, and group games. Data were collected through course implementation and follow-up interviews, with a focus on changes in social well-being based on Keyes’ (1998) five dimensions: social integration, social acceptance, social contribution, social actualization, and social coherence.Research findings are listed as below:1. Participants expressed a sense of group identity, which seemed to arise from their commitment to the class and growing familiarity with peers. Music activities appeared to facilitate interaction and may have supported social integration.2. Step-by-step teaching approaches appeared to ease learning difficulties and encouraged motivation. Group-based activities seemed to create more opportunities for mutual support, relating to social acceptance.3. Participation in music activities may have provided positive reinforcement, as older adults reported working toward shared goals, contributing their part, and occasionally sharing experiences, pointing to social contribution.4. Some participants noted their own limitations but also described gradual progress when engaging with others, which may suggest a sense of social actualization.5. Even when faced with challenges, participants generally remained willing to try. Their enjoyment in sharing experiences after sessions appeared to strengthen social coherence.This study suggests that multisensory music activities may have a positive influence on various dimensions of older adults’ social well-being and offer useful references for the design of community learning courses. Through music activities, participants engaged in mutual support, communication, and care, while instructors also played a role in facilitating interaction among peers. Nevertheless, the study was limited by its small sample size and short duration. Future research could expand class sizes or extend course length to further develop more effective course designs that support the learning and well-being of older adults.Keywords: Music education for older adults, Multisensory music activities, Social well-being
Location Name
210A - Poster Gallery
Session Type
Poster Presentation
Presenter(s)
Wei-Yu Cheng, Hsiao-Fen Chen
Poster Board
41