This section describes the experience of listening to music in the lives of older people. The data focused on the relationship between people and the feeling of listening to music. The data collection was from one observation and seven interviews. The observation site was in a nursing home. The subjects of interviews included two women and five men. One was a musician who worked in various nursing homes in New England areas. Six people were living in Lowell, ranging from age 59-70. With the consent of the participants, all of the sessions were audio recorded. The interviews discussed the importance of music listening in older people’s lives. There were several questions on the benefits of being engaged in music listening. Most participants said that they enjoyed listening to music in classical and old styles. They believed that music plays a significant part in their lives.
The data collection was performed …show more content…
She told me a long story about her life. She had five children. However, two of them died in war. Her husband was also passing away at that time. She lost her hope and power to keep going. In that time, she listened to music to ease her hurt inside. Ellen says, “ Music can deal with personal issues. Music changes my life and makes me feel more energy. After the war, I felt lost and I did not know who I was. Because, you know, when you lose your partner you feel sad. I listened to music for ten years. Now, I am remarried. I do love my life. You know, music encourages me, life has to go on…music helps a lot.” Meanwhile, music helped her recall the happiest time with his husband. Finally, music helped her go through the most difficult time. Now, she told me that she found a new way in her life. She usually likes to listen to her daughter to play violin. Ellen says, “ I love to listen my daughter to play