Insight-Oriented Music Therapy with Elderly Residents‪.‬

Abstract: As approaches to therapy change, and the body of information about needs and issues of the elderly continues to develop, it is useful to consider the design and implementation of insight-oriented approaches (Wheeler, 1987) to music therapy programs with the elderly. Current issues for the elderly form a composite with past and future issues, any of which may emerge during a music therapy session. They may include, for example, unresolved experiences from the past, or anticipation of death, and/or current problems relating to health and peer loss. These issues may be interfaced and addressed using an insight-oriented music therapy approach (Wheeler, 1987). In the current approach, song-related material is developed, which is aimed at addressing issues of elderly residents and enhancing re-educative and reconstructive goals (Wheeler, 1987). Making strong use of the isoprinciple, song categories and outlining a paradigm of music therapy with the elderly, a typical entire session is discussed section by section and results are analysed in terms of group mood, interactions and issues. The long-term benefits of this program of music therapy with the elderly and difficulties which may arise are discussed, and recommendations for further research are suggested.