Music and Drama for Elderly Patients

The benefits of music

The benefits of listening to music are well documented in various studies.

  • Improvement in cognitive skills.
    Elderly people with dementia who hear music from their past often respond positively. They begin to recall things that may have been forgotten and may recognise songs and experience related memories.

  • Communication.
    Many try to sing along to songs they remember, and seem more communicative and responsive.

  • Stress reduction.
    Music is an excellent reliever of stress and depression.

  • Physical coordination.
    Rhythm and melodies can help coordination during physical activity1, which may make it easier and more enjoyable.

  • Social skills.
    Music played in a group can encourage interaction among patients, which can relieve the loneliness many may feel at times.

The benefits of drama

Drama therapy for the elderly and disabled maximises the person’s cognitive and communication skills, promotes creativity and individuality, encourages physical activity, builds their sense of community and strengthens self-esteem. In addition, drama therapy can help the elderly perform some specific tasks.

  • After retirement, some elderly people face the challenge to maintain their identities without their work-roles; with drama therapy, they are given the opportunity to redefine themselves.

  • Drama therapy can be used with people with dementia. The drama therapist may employ dolls, puppets, hats, scarves, photos or sensory devices to evoke memories or encourage patients to use their imagination to create and enact stories. Through the use of sound and movement, drama therapy can provide a means of communication and connection for people who have lost capacity for speech or clear verbal communication.1

  • For other groups, socio-drama techniques can be used, guiding patients to create enactments that will help them develop ways to cope with stress, solve problems, or improve social skills.

  • Some drama groups are performance oriented. Participants may work with a theme to create and then perform their own plays.

WARM UP

Do you know elderly people who play musical instruments?

DO

1 Can you mention physical activities in which music plays an important part?

MORE

1 Specific exercises on the use of voice and breathing are good for both acting and individuals’ health.

images/316_d.webp