Music, Wellness, and Aging

This book provides a definitive account of the intersection between music, wellness, and aging from the perspective of gerontology, psychology, health, music therapy, and music education. Undergraduates, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and the general reader will find useful case studies of how people confront adversity through music.

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Music is a metaphor that connects people to a profound sense of life. In this book, music intersects with wellness and aging as humans adapt to life changes, stay engaged, remain creative, and achieve self-actualization. Along with discussion of cutting-edge research, the book presents stories and interviews from everyday people as well as professional and non-professional musicians. It discusses individual and social wellness, age-related and pathological changes in health, music therapies, personal resilience and growth, interpersonal and community relationships, work and retirement, spirituality, and the psychology of aging. The case studies show how music, wellness, and aging connect to define, direct, and celebrate life, as these three concepts allow people to connect with others, break down barriers, and find common ground.