Page 57 - Glasbenopedagoški zbornik Akademije za glasbo, letnik 16, zvezek 32 ◆ The Journal of Music Education of the Academy of Music in Ljubljana, year 16, issue 32
P. 57
mary klara simčič et al. ◆ glasba kot sredstvo za spodbujanje psihofizičnega blagostanja starostnikov v domovih za starejše
UDC 615.851.8:78-053.9
The aim of our study was to further explore the field of music interventions in homes for
the elderly in Slovenia, its use and the different ways music is used, as we felt it is not an
area that has been researched enough.
Prior to starting our research, we tried to find as many studies and articles that have been
already written on the subject of music interventions. During this process, we found
many studies done abroad that have already proven the incredible effects of music on the
elderly and some studies done in Slovenia, which indicates the need to raise awareness of
the benefits of music interventions.
We then performed a qualitative research, using a semi-structured interview and a ques-
tionnaire and we included 4 people, who use music interventions while working in nurs-
ing homes in Slovenia. They shared their experiences on how the music interventions
they performed helped the elderly.
Through these interviews and questionnaires, we found out that there are currently two
different types of music interventions that are being performed in some nursing homes
in Slovenia, active and passive, but also that music is a constant part of the lives of the el-
derly living there, which they very much enjoy.
The experiences of our interviewees is a proof that using music as help can alleviate the
symptoms of dementia, even in the later stages, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depres-
sion, ease physical pain and improve the quality of social interactions and overall quali-
ty of life in elderly people. However, this field in Slovenia has not been fully explored and
its benefits exploited.
57
UDC 615.851.8:78-053.9
The aim of our study was to further explore the field of music interventions in homes for
the elderly in Slovenia, its use and the different ways music is used, as we felt it is not an
area that has been researched enough.
Prior to starting our research, we tried to find as many studies and articles that have been
already written on the subject of music interventions. During this process, we found
many studies done abroad that have already proven the incredible effects of music on the
elderly and some studies done in Slovenia, which indicates the need to raise awareness of
the benefits of music interventions.
We then performed a qualitative research, using a semi-structured interview and a ques-
tionnaire and we included 4 people, who use music interventions while working in nurs-
ing homes in Slovenia. They shared their experiences on how the music interventions
they performed helped the elderly.
Through these interviews and questionnaires, we found out that there are currently two
different types of music interventions that are being performed in some nursing homes
in Slovenia, active and passive, but also that music is a constant part of the lives of the el-
derly living there, which they very much enjoy.
The experiences of our interviewees is a proof that using music as help can alleviate the
symptoms of dementia, even in the later stages, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depres-
sion, ease physical pain and improve the quality of social interactions and overall quali-
ty of life in elderly people. However, this field in Slovenia has not been fully explored and
its benefits exploited.
57
