Specifically, we explored the function of music in the lives of older adults ˜(Phase 1) and the benefits of group music making on their health and wellbeing (Phase 2). In short, the research has examined the efficacy of music, compared with other physically and socially engaging activities, as a way of managing key medical, social and psychological conditions prevalent among older adults.

Staff and students of the Conservatorio della Svizzera italiana worked with nursing home residents in Southern Switzerland, examining the role of music in their lives and ex†ploring the benefits of group music making.
"It was definitely a meaningful experience!", commented Loredana Burcheri, Entertainer at Residenza Gemmo: "At the end of it, residents were asking why more meetings were not being held, and they continue to ask! They were really happy and the activities o’ffered were all at a very high level."

The research showed that music plays an impor†tant role in the lives of nursing home residents. Firstly, although most residents did not have ex†-tended musical training, their consumption of and appreciation for live music performances has been life†long. Consequently, they take a keen interest in musical events hosted by their nursing homes. Sec†ondly, the residents are highly motivated to listen actively œnot passivelyž to music in their day†to†day lives, and they report strong, positive effects of this on their mood. They deliberately choose when to listen and what to listen to • typically, music from their youth. Crucially, their musical engagement remains stable from before to after their move into the nursing home, indicating that music remains of interest and relevance even once other leisure activities decrease.

The research has also demonstrated that regular group music making has beneficial effects on the mood and emotions of the nursing home residents and, to some extent, enhanced autobiographical memories. These effects were driven by three fac†tors: the residents’ ongoing interest in music, their appreciation for the learning opportunities includ†ed in the music program, and the interpersonal re†lationships promoted by it, both with the musicians and with other residents.