For ninety-year-old Beryl Bradford, Tuesday mornings hold a special place in her week.
Each week, she eagerly anticipates the visit from local kindergarten children who come to her aged care home in Warrnambool to engage in music and play. On those mornings, she carefully selects her outfit, arrives early, and waits with excitement for the session to begin.
“I’m always early,” Ms. Bradford says, her enthusiasm palpable.
These intergenerational activities—where older adults and young children come together through music—are more than just fun. Research shows that such programs help bridge generational divides, promoting understanding and empathy between older and younger generations. For Ms. Bradford’s fellow resident, Theresa Brennan, the weekly music sessions offer a rare opportunity to connect with younger people.
“It helps us understand the generations that are coming up, and that’s important to stay connected,” Brennan says. “Especially when our grandkids are so far away, it’s wonderful to see the kids running around. We miss out on that.”
The Power of Music in Connection
Garry Price, a Warrnambool-based music therapist with experience in palliative care, mental health, and disability services, has long advocated for the power of music as a universal connector. Price believes music has always served as a vital medium for human connection, and his work at Mercy Place nursing home is a testament to this belief.
At Mercy Place, the music sessions, organized by Hey-dee-ho Educational Services, bring together elderly residents and young children in a shared musical experience. For many older individuals, these sessions provide a much-needed sense of relevance and belonging.
“Sometimes older people feel a little bit irrelevant to things going on in society, and music is a very effective way to assist with that validation and connection,” Price explains.
The Therapeutic Effects of Music
The benefits of music therapy extend beyond social interaction. Research consistently shows that music can have a profound impact on mental health, reducing depression and anxiety, and improving emotional well-being.
“When we hear music or participate in music, our brain responds immediately,” Price says. “Take the Olympic Games, for example. When Australia wins a gold medal and the national anthem plays, you feel that little tingle down your neck. It’s a song you’re emotionally attached to, and there’s a physiological response.”
Price uses this emotional connection to harness the power of music therapy, carefully selecting songs that evoke positive memories and emotions in his clients.
For Ms. Bradford, the experience is deeply emotional, though difficult to express in words. “It’s something I don’t really think I can put words to,” she says, reflecting the profound impact of the music sessions on her mental and emotional well-being.
A Ripple Effect of Emotional Impact
The popularity of these music sessions among residents at Mercy Place is undeniable. Megan Crossley, the lifestyle coordinator at Mercy Place, says the sessions have grown from a small group to a much larger gathering over time.
“The music sessions are by far the most popular activity among the residents,” Crossley says. “We used to have a small circle, and it’s just gotten bigger and bigger.”
The emotional impact extends beyond just the residents. Crossley notes that family members who come to visit often find themselves moved by the sessions, some even shedding tears as they witness the joy and connection it brings to their loved ones.
“You’ll see someone who came to support their mum or dad, and they’ll have tears in their eyes watching what’s happening,” she says.
Conclusion
Intergenerational music programs like the one at Mercy Place nursing home offer a powerful reminder of the value of connection across generations. These sessions not only promote positive relationships between young and old but also provide significant mental health benefits, improving emotional well-being, reducing loneliness, and fostering a sense of belonging.
As Beryl Bradford and other residents continue to enjoy these musical exchanges, it’s clear that the power of music transcends age and circumstance, creating lasting bonds and nurturing mental health.
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