A study to assess the effectiveness of music therapy on psychological problems of the elderly residing in selected geriatric homes, Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu, India

Elderly population is considered as vulnerable group of population in the world. (World Population Prospects Sep’14 Census). Due to the changing trend towards nuclear families and materialism among the younger generation in modern industrial life led to a force on elderly to stay in old age homes. It has been observed that aged population in India needs recreational activities in the form of therapies especially music therapy which has got an effect on well being status of the elderly. The objectives of the study were to assess the effect of music therapy on psychological problems of the elderly residing in a selected geriatric and to associate the effect with selected demographic variables. The study was conducted in ‘Little Drops’ old age home (experimental group), and ‘Little Angles’ old age home (control group), Chennai, Tamil Nadu. A Quasi experimental design Pre-test/Post-test Control Group was used. Elderly samples of 101 in experimental group and 100 in control group were selected. Purposive sampling technique was used in selecting the samples. The effect of music therapy on psychological problems was assessed by using Subjective Well Being Inventory Scale, a modified WHO scale. Pre test was done before the intervention of administration of music therapy. It was administered to the participants who were included in listening to a predesigned instrumental music based on raga Malkauns, for duration of 22 minutes at a specified time in the evening for a period of 30 days. The collected data were analyzed using the descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The study results revealed that, there is a significant relationship between the effect of music therapy and the level of well being among elderly; also showed a significant relationship between age and occupational status with the level of well being. The study concludes that training in the field of geriatrics and gerontology for Para professionals in counseling the elderly including music therapy beneficial effects on the problems of the elderly.