Abstract
This thesis explores the role, meaning, and function of music in the lives of a community of elderly Americans. In order to explore these nearly cultural universals of aging and music, several methods of data collection were conducted at Towne Center, a residential care community in a suburb of Akron, Ohio. Several musical activities such as sing-alongs and musical entertainment were attended. In addition a content analysis of the SingAlong with ElderSong lyric booklet used during sing-alongs was performed. Ten interviews with residents were also carried out. Results show that music provides a means of re-creating history and memories of family and loved ones of the past. Both the lyrical content of the sing-alongs as well as responses from residents focused on loved ones. Further studies such as continuing research on ElderSong Publishers are suggested. An argument for increased research regarding music in the lives of elderly Americans is also made and implications for Towne Centre are recommended.
Advisor
Frese, Pamela
Department
Sociology and Anthropology
Recommended Citation
Starkey, Angela, "Will You Remember, Sweetheart? Understanding the Role of Music in the Lives of Elderly Residents of a Residential Care Community" (2008). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 1155.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/1155
Publication Date
2008
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2008 Angela Starkey