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  • Writer's pictureMusic Share

Episode 1 - The Impact of Music Therapy on Social Isolation

Updated: Mar 29, 2022

How does social isolation and loneliness impact the long-term care population? Read below to find out!


Pictures Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/23/well/family/coronavirus-loneliness-isolation-social-distancing-elderly.html


Impact of Music Therapy on Social Isolation and Loneliness

Social isolation is the physical separation of oneself from others either intentionally or unintentionally. Loneliness is the feeling of being alone, regardless of the amount of social contact.

Music Share’s mission is to provide music therapy to prevent the symptoms of

social isolation (Music Share, 2022). By interacting with residents one-on-one, Music

Share establishes meaningful relationships that fosters the well-being of residents.

Studies have shown that forming social bonds with residents reduces the risk of heart

disease and stroke by about 30% and improves overall mental well-being (National

Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2020). In addition, residents who

experience loneliness and heart disease concurrently were likely to increase risk of

hospitalization by 68% and are 4 times more likely to experience death (National

Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2020). Tailoring music playlists

induces a positive experience as it empowers the individual through mutual

engagement in a social activity. Among the population of older individuals, it is crucial

that we do not neglect their physical and mental well-being. Music therapy can mitigate

this issue by reducing the complications of social isolation and loneliness (National

Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2020).


By: Realiza Becaro & Francis Galase


References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, April 29). Loneliness and Social Isolation

Linked to Serious Health Conditions. Retrieved from

https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/lonely-older-adults.html

Music Share. (2022.). About Us. Retrieved from https://www.wearemusicshare.com

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2020. Social Isolation and

Loneliness in Older Adults: Opportunities for the Health Care System. Washington, DC:

The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/25663external icon

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