Music technologies: ppportunities for social connection
Conference Contribution ResearchOnline@JCUAbstract
Strategies to support psychosocial well-being in older adults are desperately needed. A developing body of research points to the relationship between continued engagement with the arts and maintaining mental health and quality of life (Wang, et al., 2020). Music is an effective, non-pharmacological tool with many social and emotional benefits particularly for older adults (Creech, et al., 2014),and technology is posited to play a role in making music interventions more accessible and cost-effective (Garrido, et al., 2018). In addition to a brief overview of how musical engagement can support older Australians' psychosocial well-being, this presentation will discuss technologies for both consuming and making music. This will focus on recent empirical research findings comparing the impact and benefit of technology-driven music opportunities designed to promote social connection. Because technologies continue to develop, it is important to consider the underpinning principles corresponding to use and engagement. These principles can guide the purchase and implementation of these technologies in aged care. We will focus on fostering musical engagement through technologies for social connection and well-being. Through this lens, we will explore: 1. Technology Types – what equipment is needed, considering price, availability, and levels of user interaction? 2. Skills & Education – how to make use of existing staff and resident knowledge, and sourcing relevant education & training. 3. Flexibility & Accessibility – how easy is it to mould or modify music technology activities to residents’ personal choices as well as their physical/ cognitive abilities? 4. Sustainability – what is reproducible and sustainable in the face of staff/resident changes? I.e. how to make sure the newly purchased technology doesn’t end up in the cupboard?! Addressing aspects of implementation relevant to practitioners creates the link between increasing awareness of the benefits of music consumption and creation and being able to translate these empirical research findings into everyday use.
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53rd Australian Association of Gerontology Conference
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1
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Online Event
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Australian Association of Gerontology
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Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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