Music Levels the Playing Field

It is no secret that cumulative disadvantage plays an integral role in the aging process of many different racial groups throughout the world, and especially in the United States. One major factor in this disadvantage is language.

Living and growing old in a country based on one main language can prove to be difficult for many minority groups and immigrants. Although these groups may prove to be able minded and self-sufficient, language plays a big part in society, allowing for jobs, health insurance, and education to name a few. Not to mention, with the increasing risk of dementia as old age approaches, the language barrier in even English-speaking individuals raises concern. Music is now an answer.

People of all ages relate to and enjoy music, making it a universal language, of sorts. However, its value can go far beyond simple listening.

Juliann Schaeffer

According to Kimmo Lehtonen, PhD, professor of education at the University of Turku (Finland) and a clinical music therapist for more than 25 years, therapists have been using music therapy to promote memory and a sense of self in the treatment of older adults with dementia. Music has the ability to provoke memory, feelings, and emotions -- all things that remain the same no matter which language you speak.

John Carpente, founder and executive director of the Rebecca Center for Music Therapy in New York and a licensed, board-certified music therapist, proclaims that music is used with older adults to maintain or increase their levels of physical, mental, social, and emotional functioning. Music used as a sensory and intellectual stimulation can help maintain a person's quality of life or even improve it.