Intergenerational Music Therapy: Effects on Literacy, Physical Functioning, Self-Worth, and Interactions

Intergenerational programs are becoming increasingly common, yet little data exists on programs involving young children and older adults. The purpose of this randomized-controlled trial was to identify the effects of an intergenerational music therapy program on children’s literacy, older adults’ p...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of Intergenerational relationships Vol. 18; no. 2; pp. 175 - 195
Main Authors Detmer, Michael R, Kern, Petra, Jacobi-Vessels, Jill, King, Kristi M
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Abingdon Taylor & Francis Ltd 02.04.2020
Subjects
Age groups
Children
Intergenerational relationships
Literacy
Music
Music therapy
Older people
Perceptions
Young adults
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Summary:Intergenerational programs are becoming increasingly common, yet little data exists on programs involving young children and older adults. The purpose of this randomized-controlled trial was to identify the effects of an intergenerational music therapy program on children’s literacy, older adults’ physical functioning and self-worth, and interactions between the two age groups. Participants were three- and four-year-old children and older adults aged 72–98. Results indicate positive trends in nearly every dependent variable studied and a statistically significant positive outcome for the interaction between children and adults. Additionally, interviews of the older adults’ perception of the program revealed six positive themes.
ISSN:1535-0770
1535-0932
DOI:10.1080/15350770.2019.1670318