with stress. In 1994, the National Association of Music music may be sedative just to help them unwind or for-
Therapy, defined music therapy for older adults as: get about the things that are worrying them.
An allied health service similar to occupational Music is such a flexible tool in so many ways.
therapy and physical therapy. It The music or music activity used can be as simple or
consists of using music therapeutically to address complicated as necessary to attain the appropriate goal.
physical, psychological, The music therapist can adapt the activity to match
cognitive and/or social functioning. Because whatever the client’s skill level is. Participating in vari-
music therapy is a powerful and ous music activities provides a sense of comfort and se-
non-threatening medium, unique outcomes are curity for people. Sometimes it is the structure of the
possible (Clair, 1996, p.6). music that provides the security and sometimes it is be-
longing to a cooperative group (such as a community
Although this definition may be viewed for use with band or choir) that provides the structure and security.
older individuals that are ill, it may just as well be seen Music itself is structured as it occurs through time and
as a definition for use with healthy, older adults to help this structure helps form a sense of security (Clair,
with the normal stressors of their circumstances. While 1996). There is security in having structure and this se-
people are working and raising families, their lives are curity will help relieve anxiety and stress. When people
filled with social interactions and purpose, but a lot of belong to a cooperative music group the sense of be-
this changes as people age. Older people tend to feel iso- longing to an organization is very powerful. As a mem-
lated and not as vital or connected to society as they ber of a group, you are responsible for your own part.
once were and they might not have much cognitive Accepting this responsibility and contributing to the
stimulation. They may also not be very physically ac- group in this way builds camaraderie with the others.
tive. Concerns about limited finances, issues with their With this camaraderie people care and have concern for
grown children, or the realities of dealing with (provid- one another. This care and concern is what forms a
ing care for) a sick loved one can all contribute to anxi- sense of community, providing structure, comfort, and
ety and stress for older adults. Music therapy can be security. “The structured, secure, and predictable par-
very effective in helping people cope with all of these ticipation in music that affords relief from isolation and
issues. Music is an appealing vehicle for therapy in part the loneliness that may be associated with it” (Clair,
because it is something that everyone is familiar with 1996, p.22).
and it can be easily accessible in a variety of different This author directs a multigenerational commu-
venues. nity band in Maine and has seen directly what the im-
Human beings have a basic need to connect with pact can be, especially on the older adults involved.
others and music can provide the basis for either making Some of the most actively involved people in the band
the connection through shared experiences or providing are the older adults. They are always in attendance, al-
a reason for social interaction. The musical activities ways volunteer to help by moving equipment (even if
that people get together for can give purpose to their they are unable to physically move things, they are pre-
lives and add structure to their day. Singing, playing, sent), and take tremendous pride in playing with this
listening, discussing music or dancing are some of the group. Perhaps most important of all of the benefits of
ways that people may experience music with others. playing with this group or any other group, is that it pro-
Singing, playing, and dancing all provide physical and vides a place to go where they are needed. They no
cognitive stimulation. Listening to or discussing music longer feel isolated or unnecessary. They are vital to
can bring back memories of earlier and happier times in this organization and this gives them security knowing
their lives. Dancing can help with responses such as that they belong to this group. Music is an art form that
flexibility and physical touch. If they are learning a new is accessible to almost everyone. Since there are so
musical skill or relearning an old skill they will feel a many different ways that people can participate in music
great deal of satisfaction and accomplishment. If they or music making, it is an excellent choice for therapeutic
are satisfied with the result, they will be likely to con- uses.
tinue or return to the sessions. Sometimes the benefit of It is important for all age groups to focus on liv-
the musical activity is just as a diversion from other se- ing healthy lives and preventing disease. Especially for
rious difficulties they face in their everyday lives. The older adults, it is essential for them to make healthy

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