Understanding the impact of the “Fountains of Uke” Intergenerational Music Program on Long-Term Care Residents

Abstract

As the aging population reaches an all-time high, depression and social isolation among seniors are becoming serious issues. Music engagement and intergenerational programming may improve depressive symptoms and reduce social isolation in seniors by fostering relationships and engagement. Thus, the “Fountains of Uke Program” combines musical experiences with intergenerational interactions to combat these outcomes. This study aims to investigate the program’s effects on residents in Long-Term Care homes. Behaviour, cognition, depression, and social isolation were measured before and after the intervention using validated scales and qualitative interviews. Quantitative measures did not show improvements in the outcomes of depression and social isolation. However, qualitative outcomes indicate the intergenerational music program had positive impacts on the Long-Term Care resident participants. Future studies should be implemented over a longer time period, in multiple Long-Term Care homes, and with a larger sample size to increase external validity. Future research should also consider the baseline health status of participants, as well as the normative mental and physical health decline among Long-Term Care residents over time when selecting outcome measures, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions.