Music Therapy and the Art of Elderly Mind-Body Remodelling
Journal: Arts Studies and Criticism DOI: 10.32629/asc.v6i6.4737
Abstract
By 2025, China’s aging population is accelerating with nearly 18% aged 65 and above, creating urgent demands for diverse elderly care solutions. This study examines the role of music therapy as a safe, low-cost, and accessible non-pharmacological intervention to address key aging-related challenges such as social isolation and chronic pain. Grounded in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and Erikson’s psychosocial development theory, the research employs literature analysis, field studies, and experiments to explore the multidimensional effects of music therapy on emotional regulation, social interaction, physical coordination, and cognitive function in the elderly. Results demonstrate that music therapy significantly alleviates social isolation, depression, anxiety, and loneliness, while enhancing positive emotions, reducing chronic pain, and delaying cognitive decline. The study concludes by proposing promotion strategies involving policy support, professional training, interdisciplinary collaboration, and public awareness to establish a sustainable model for integrating music therapy into community and institutional elderly care, offering theoretical and practical insights for improving health and quality of life in an aging society.
Keywords
music therapy, elderly population, population aging, physical and mental health
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[5]Hu Jiahao. Exploring Pathways and Societal Significance of Elderly Digital Social Integration from an Activity Theory Perspective: A Case Study of the D Community Elderly Douyin Interest Group [J]. Journal of Hubei Open University, 2025, 45(04): 49-58.
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[7]Chen Qianjun. Research on Music Therapy Groups Enhancing Cognitive Abilities in Elderly Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment [D]. Guangxi Normal University, 2024. DOI: 10.27036/d.cnki.ggxsu.2024.000077.
[8]Liu Ying. A Brief Discussion on the Functional Characteristics and Neurological Effects of Music Therapy [C]//China Musicians Association Music Psychology Society, Henan University. 2024·Proceedings of the 8th Academic Symposium of the China Musicians Association Music Psychology Society. College of Music, Southwest University; China Institute of Music Psychology and Mental Health; 2024:2. DOI:10.26914/c.cnkihy. 2024.024551.
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[13]Ma Liping, Yang Wenyan. Application and Research Progress of Music Therapy in Hypertension Treatment [J]. Modern Diagnosis and Treatment, 2014, 25(23): 5319-5321.
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