Reaching Seniors Through Music
Maribeth Gallagher

Although music is perceived by many today as merely a source of “entertainment,” history teaches us that various forms of music have been used as powerful sources for healing since the beginning of time. A review of scientific literature indicates that music has been found to evoke a wide range of positive physical and emotional responses in the elderly population. For those experiencing the progressive losses that accompany diseases like Alzheimer’s, music holds potential as a complementary healing modality that can positively influence body, mind and spirit. On February 2, 2003 several of the musicians of Audrey’s Angels gathered at my home to discuss and explore the powerful potential that music offers to the elderly residents whom we serve in senior group homes. We shared stories of the successes that we have seen in this ministry.

Music evokes emotional associations even in those with cognitive impairment, and can provide an emotional outlet for those who have lost the skills necessary for verbal expression. Research suggests that music can facilitate communication and socialization for people suffering the losses of a dementing illness. Songs from the past can provide a secure, familiar and structured way of sharing time with others. Music can also offer distraction from idleness, boredom and discomfort, and has been shown to decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety. Certain types of music can enhance mood and energy, while soothing music has been used to increase the quality of sleep and lessen the need for sleeping medications.

The musicians of Audrey’s Angels agree that there are several key factors that seem to increase their rate of success (as evidenced by happy facial expressions, increased group interactions and active participation in sing-along’s) when performing for the residents served by Audrey’s Angels. All of these approaches build upon principles borrowed from music therapy research.

“Setting the stage” for the music session is important to create a comfortable environment free from distractions. The residents are encouraged to sit in one big circle. Residents with limiting cognitive or physical impairments are placed closer to the musical source, and those who wear eyeglasses and hearing aids are reminded to use them in order to more fully participate in the experience. The performers enhance their musical connection with each resident by making direct eye contact and offering an occasional reassuring touch.

Choice of music is essential to creating the most positive outcomes. Music that has positive personal significance to the listener seems to have the best impact. For our residents, many of whom have short-term memory impairment, this generally translates to songs from the 1920’s through the 1940’s. Songs such as “Let Me Call You Sweetheart,” “You Are My Sunshine” and “It Had to Be You” are examples. It is important to remember that music preferences are highly individualized. A song that creates a positive experience for one person can negatively impact another. It is essential that the performer stay alert for anyone who may be reacting negatively to the music so that the caregiver is notified to intervene when needed.

Many of the performers have noticed that the residents particularly seem to enjoy and enthusiastically respond to group sing-along’s. Even those performers who do not view themselves as “singers” are encouraged to actively lead group participation by singing the first few lines of each tune. In our experiences, this is all it takes to get the group on their way. Even if residents are limited in their abilities to sing, they can participate by humming, clapping and toe tapping. Upon completion of a song, the performers occasionally notice a tear in someone’s eye as he or she reflects upon a memory stimulated by the melody or lyrics of a tune. More often than not we notice transformation from bored to sparkling eyes as the repertoire of songs connects each person to cherished memories from the past.

The musicians of Audrey’s Angels aim not so much to “perform” for the residents but to “meaningfully interact” with these individuals. Music is known universally as the “language of the soul,” and our goal is to communicate music heart to heart while honoring the dignity of those we serve.