Name
Music Education for an Aging Society: Music, Movement, and Wellness
Date & Time
Monday, July 27, 2026, 1:50 PM - 2:20 PM
Description
This presentation introduces a university-level course titled Design and Implementation of Music Activities for Active Aging, which aims to prepare future music educators to promote the physical and mental well-being of older adults. Beyond supporting seniors’ health and social participation, the course embodies the spirit of “Unity in Music Education: Building Bridges for All,” positioning music education as a medium for intergenerational communication and cultural connection.As Taiwan transitions into a super-aged society in 2025 (with more than 20% of its population aged 65 and above), “active aging” and lifelong learning have become key educational and social concerns. Drawing on a background in music education and international certifications as an active-aging fitness and wellness instructor, the presenter designed this course to integrate music, movement, physical activity, and educational principles in response to the challenges posed by an aging society.This course centers on the integration of musical activities with physical fitness practices to encourage body movement and strengthen emotional connections among participants through group activities. The course spans sixteen weeks, with two-hour sessions each week and nearly forty students enrolled. This high level of engagement also reflects students’ growing awareness of the importance of active-aging issues and their willingness to address them through music education. It emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical application across four major components:(1) theories of older adult education and active aging, including exercise, physical health, and nutrition concepts;(2) using musical form and structure to design aerobic music activities that enhance seniors’ cardiopulmonary endurance;(3) employing musical elements such as dynamics, scales, and rhythm to design strength and coordination training; and(4) offering music-centered experiential activities that enable seniors to appreciate the beauty of music while moving.In addition, various props, such as percussion instruments and balloons, are used to enrich and enliven the activities.This course demonstrates how music education can respond to the needs of an aging society by extending its scope into the practice of health promotion. Through the instructor’s interdisciplinary expertise in both music and senior fitness, music becomes more than mere background accompaniment for movement. Music educators, drawing on their musical expertise, can creatively apply musical elements to design appropriate and engaging activities. Students also reflected that the course not only provided valuable learning experiences but also deepened their awareness of health, both personally and within their families, preparing them for life in a super-aged society.
Location Name
513B
Full Address
Palais des Congres - Montréal Convention Centre
1001, Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle
Montreal QC H2Z 1H2
Canada
1001, Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle
Montreal QC H2Z 1H2
Canada
Session Type
Paper Presentation
Presenting Author(s)
Hung-Pai CHEN