“Something to live for”: Weekly singing classes at a Chinese university for retirees

Abstract

Active music participation offers a way for older people to sustain wellbeing and health. This article explores the understandings and experiences of a group of older Chinese people who actively participate in singing lessons at the Tangshan Older People University, China. This article uses a phenomenological qualitative research approach that allows an investigation of individual experiences of music engagement in later life. This research utilized a case study design and data were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis which explores experience as understood by participants. Five broad themes were identified from the data: Emotional wellbeing, Physical wellbeing, Mental wellbeing and “learning new things”, Musical preferences, and Sharing music. The participants have purposefully sought music-learning experiences and recognize the benefits of their ongoing music education.