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

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47513/mmd.v14i3.877

Keywords:

Intergenerational, music, older adults, depression, Long-Term Care

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.

Author Biographies

Jenna Schlorff, Northern Ontario School of Medicine

Jenna Schlorff is a medical student (MD) enrolled at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine,
Canada.

Brandon Ruan, University of Toronto Temerty Faculty of Medicine

Brandon Ruan is a medical student (MD) enrolled at the University of Toronto, Canada.

Tiffany Got, University of Toronto Temerty Faculty of Medicine

Tiffany Got is a medical student (MD) enrolled at the University of Toronto, Canada.

Chelsea Mackinnon, McMaster University Faculty of Health Sciences

Chelsea Mackinnon is a sessional instructor in music and health sciences at McMaster University,
Canada.

Downloads

Published

2022-07-28

Issue

Section

Full Length Articles