Geriatric clients' preferences for specific popular songs to use during singing activities

J Music Ther. 2009 Summer;46(2):147-59. doi: 10.1093/jmt/46.2.147.

Abstract

Researchers suggest popular music to be primarily preferred by seniors. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine geriatric clients' preferences for particular popular songs to possibly use in singing activities. Specifically, the researchers sought to determine whether the seniors' had heard the song before, generally preferred the songs, and would prefer to sing the songs. The researchers also examined whether possible preferences adhered to the "young adult years" age hypothesis, as stated in previous research. Results indicated that nine songs had been previously heard by 100% of the participants, with five of these songs from the 1910s and earlier. The greatest number of participants preferred the song Over the Rainbow "a lot", and the greatest number of participants indicated that they would like to sing In the Good Old Summertime, Let Me Call You Sweetheart, You are My Sunshine, and By the Light of the Silvery Moon. Further results and discussion are included.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Choice Behavior
  • Female
  • Health Services for the Aged / organization & administration*
  • Humans
  • Intergenerational Relations
  • Male
  • Memory*
  • Mental Recall*
  • Music
  • Music Therapy / methods*
  • Public Opinion*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires