Music for life: a case of good practice

Abstract

This research is based on the hypothesis that music education, based on active participation, can improve the quality of life of older people and positively influence the prevention of dementias, such as Alzheimer's. Choir singing has always brought benefits, but active choral singing, including movement and body expression, as well as instrumental practice, can increase a healthy physical and mental life. Music for life is a project that takes place in an association of pensioners and retirees in a small town, in Spain. Participants go once a week to sing, actively learn music, but what they really do is work the laterality of the cerebral hemispheres, boost memory, improve self-esteem, and connect with people of similar characteristics and situations. One of the most important parts of the project is public auditions in homes for the elderly or similar, as part of musical learning, self-esteem and social responsibility. The idea of ​​being able to show other people their musical work, and offer a few hours of joy to older people, makes them feel important and necessary. The research part consists of checking whether these connected activities (singing, corporal expression and memorization), favor the prevention of dementias such as Alzheimer’s; improve psychomotor skills and the quality of life of people. At the moment, we have only been able to verify the increase in self-esteem, and the implication involved in participating in a research project.