How to Stimulate Beneficial Activity Using Music Therapy with Older Folk

possible that using music for health improvement can have a part in increasing mobility in the elderly?

Many elderly people who are limited in their movements find they are in a catch 22 situation, in that their relatives, friends, carers etc., sometimes feel that this is the ’status quo’ and shouldn’t be changed. So in endeavoring to show ‘kindness’ people will often attempt to do everything for them, even when they are actually capable, with a little encouragement of doing it themselves. As a consequence muscles become even weaker through lack of use, joints stiffen, movement deteriorates and more help is given/needed and so the circle continues to the detriment of the ‘victim’.

Of course every situation is different depending on the persons general health and ability but sometimes a positive and pro-active approach can make a tremendous difference not only to the mobility of a person but also to the general well being or ’spirit’ of that person.

Just to illustrate by one example. Louise and I were presenting one of our interactive music workshops in a residential care home for the elderly. When we had arrived every one had been sitting watching the television with varying degrees of disinterest. There were probably twenty residents in the main lounge and we had enjoyed a ’singalong’ with them using song sheets with some old party favourite choruses and the mood had already lifted. We introduced a short excerpt from a classical piece to encourage them to relax and get their breath back.

The next piece that had been scheduled into the program was, would you believe, Bill Haleys’ “Rock around the Clock”! As usual we handed out small percussion instruments, lightweight tambourines and colourful maracas to those who could hold them. I started the music and gradually increased the volume while keeping it at a sensible level. I was amazed at the number of those in their 70’s and 80’s who actually knew most of the words! I suddenly became aware that several of the staff carers were looking with some amazement at a spot in the room behind me. When I turned around, there in the corner a little elderly lady was on her feet and jiving!

At the end of the session, the Senior Caring staff confided that this was the most movement that they had seen in ‘Betty’ for ages, as she mostly just sat in the same chair day in day out. Carers had been going out of their way to move everything within easy reach and being helpful in assisting her to get up and sit down etc. This was a side (and ability) that they had been virtually unaware of assuming that at ninety two she was OK to just ’sit around’.

The combination of the music, the camaraderie, memories, and gentle encouragement had demonstrated what her seemingly frail body was capable of.

As mentioned previously, everybody is different, but if you are in a position of carer, make good and wise use of music as an encouragement toward movement. Look for telltale signs like small hand or head movements, possibly a toe tapping and then take the opportunity to interact with the person, perhaps by making similar movements yourself or if it’s practical, gently taking a hand and encouraging movement that way. A word of caution though, think carefully about the volume level, whilst most older folk find the modern level too loud, some of course have reduced hearing capabilities and in fact need a slightly higher volume, – which may be considerably lower than our modern society may use for everyday listening!

The benefits for those that can manage simple rhythmic body or limb movements are several, muscle use, joint flexing, improved circulation, sometimes even an improvement in appetite, and above all a lifting of the spirit. What a great form of (free!) therapy music can be when chosen and used sensibly.

Anything for free