MUSIC THERAPY FOR ELDERS
By Dr T V Sairam*

‘Old age’, someone had remarked, ‘is a curse!’

The main reason for this statement is the fact that with the onslaught of old age, the body’s immune system starts the non-cooperative movement – starting with wrinkles in the skin and graying of hair along with memory of events, dates, details and facts….

As days go by, body and mind gets weakened and the curiosity and enthusiasm, which form the child-like and youthful characteristics takes a heavy toll.

It is a well-known fact that music can play an essential role in rejuvenating those who succumb to immune deficiencies and metabolic changes that quicken senility.

As a ‘tonic’ for the weak and the infirm, music promises physiological and psychological well-being and rejuvenation.

Music therapy is as efficacious and valid with older persons as with children and families.

As a form of sensory stimulation, music provokes in the elderly citizens responses due to the familiarity, predictability, and feelings of security associated with it.

Elders, who have functional deficits in physical, psychological, cognitive or social functioning thus find music as a dependable companion par excellence.

There is no generation-gap between the listener and the musical piece; no fear of losing relationship with music , say by separation, betrayal, neglect or divorce!

Thus, one can trust music as a workable companion- a companion who will not nag and who will be available at a click of the mouse or the switch- whenever it is really needed!

Recent clinical research endorses the greater viability of music therapy even in those, who suffer from advanced state of illness – like terminally ill patients- who may be resistive to other treatment approaches.

Technique For the Elders

Music therapists use music to facilitate movements (especially in elders who have problems such as arthritis etc)

Music of appropriate rhythms is employed for activating the body rhythms and for uplifting a depressed and gloomy outlook, which creeps in but naturally.

The therapeutic intervention in all such situations is, of course, based on individual assessment, treatment planning, and ongoing program evaluation.

Programs could also be tailor-made to a group of elders, so that there is an attempt to make them interact with each other in a non-threatening environment.

In special circumstances, the therapy can also be extended to bed-ridden or paralytic patients as well to enable them ‘visualize’ the lighter side of their existence, which, till the last spark of life, offers a kaleidoscopic experience!

(* The Author can be contacted at his e-mail address: tvsairam@rediffmail.com)