The Process of Music Activities for The Elderly of Thonburi District in Thailand
Paper Presentation
27 August 2020
16:30 - 17:00 hrs (GMT+7)
Natsarun Tissadikun, Panus Tongkarnpanit and Warinthorn Sisiadngam
This paper examines the application of music education methods designed for children, such as the Orff Schuwerk method, Dalcroze Eurhythmic, and the Kodály method to music activities for the elderly. Working with elderly communities in Thonburi, the researchers assessed the physical and mental health development potential of music activities for this population, as well as their effectiveness in helping elderly people acquire a foundation of basic musical skills upon which they can further develop musically in the future. Further, the researchers studied the ways in which music activities can encourage the elderly to have a good outlook and develop their creative potential.
These are important abilities for 21st-century life and, more specifically, for navigating social aging within the context of a growing population of elderly now and in the near future. This study aims to develop a new music activity model designed specifically for the elderly in Thailand. The proposed model includes a screening process used to assess the physical and mental potential of participants, so that activity leaders can understand and prepare for the participants’ attitudes and musical interests. Musical activities used focus on the development of skills in rhythm, movement, listening, and singing.