Music, Senior Centers, and Quality of Life

Older adults' stories and researchers' insights show how music participation in US senior centers enhances quality of life.

Written for all who support the well-being of older adults, including scholars, educators, health professionals, musicians, psychologists, service providers, caregivers, and students. The authors share findings on how musical activities in senior centers serving diverse clienteles across the United States enhance older adults' quality of life.Lisa Lehmberg and Victor Fung present a groundbreaking look at quality of life via the music participation of older adults in diverse US senior centers. The state of musical activities in senior centers pre- and mid-pandemic is elucidated through original research conducted in senior centers across six states. Featured are older adults' stories told in their own words; insights from senior center activity leaders, manage-ment, and staff; and data, analyses, and syntheses from the authors' senior center visits and a survey of center managers. The authors document the adjustment process undergone by these centers during the pandemic and leading into a new normal. Recommendations are offered for policy makers, school and community music educators, music activity leaders, older adults, caregivers, and service providers to enhance the quality of life of older adults. The critical role that music plays in supporting their quality of life is emphasized.