Older Adults, Well-Being, and Affect: Music Sessions Vis-à-Vis Music-With-Meditation Sessions

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article reports a study on the impact of music sessions compared with music-with-meditation sessions for older adults’ well-being and affect balance. Participants who attended music-with-meditation sessions over a period of 6 months, reported significant improvements in scores on measures of affect balance, psychological resources and strengths, and satisfaction with life. Gains were higher for female older adults, participants who had a college or postgraduate degree, retired or homemakers, currently married or widowed, and older adults who lived with spouse and family including adult children or with adult children alone. Program compliance indicated through regular attendance at the music-with-meditation sessions and completion of corresponding homework sessions were strongest predictors of improvements in older adults’ wellbeing and affect balance. An augmented and improvised music intervention, embellished with meditation sessions, is effective in bolstering psychological resources for older adults. Some program refinements would be needed for male older adults, participants with lower formal education or those who have professional degrees, in-service or self-employed, ever-single or divorced/separated older adults, and those living with other kith-kin, alone, or in institutions/assisted living facilities.