Ninety-year-old Beryl Bradford spends all week looking forward to Tuesday mornings.
When it finally arrives, she picks out a special outfit, takes extra care getting ready, and heads over to the lunch room at her aged care home in Warrnambool.
She arrives about 45 minutes earlier than needed, waiting in anticipation for the morning’s activity — a visit from kindergarten kids to play music.
“I’m always early,” Ms Bradford says.
“Nothing gets in [my way], every Tuesday.”
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Studies show that these kinds of intergenerational learning programs help older and younger folks view each other more positively.
“It helps us understand the generations that are coming up, and that’s important to stay connected,” fellow Mercy Place aged care resident Theresa Brennan says.
“Especially when our grandkids are so far away, it’s great to see [the kids] running around because we miss out on that.”
Studies show intergenerational learning programs can positively affect older adults’ self-worth. (ABC South West Vic: Jean Bell)
Connecting through music
Garry Price is a Warrnambool-based music therapist who has long worked in palliative care and hospital settings, as well as the mental health and disability sectors.
He says throughout history, humans have always come together over music.
At the Mercy Place nursing home, kids and older folk have had the chance to connect through music sessions run by the Hey-dee-ho Educational Services.
Garry Price says he has seen the healing powers of music time and again throughout his career. (ABC South West Vic: Olivia Sanders)
“Sometimes older people feel a little bit irrelevant to things that are going on in society and the world,” Mr Price says.
“Using music with the children is a very effective way to assist with that validation and connection.
“Words don’t have to be spoken to make that connection.”
Some quieter residents can come alive during the music sessions. (ABC South West Vic: Jean Bell)
When words fail, music speaks
Studies have shown music therapy can reduce depression and anxiety levels in teens and adults.
“When we hear music or participate in music, our brain responds immediately,” Mr Price says.
“The Olympic Games is a great example, when Australia wins a gold medal and the national anthem is played, you get that little tingly feeling down your neck.
“It’s a song you’re emotionally attached to, so there’s a physiological response.”
Residents always look forward to music sessions with children on Tuesdays. (ABC South West Vic: Jean Bell)
Mr Price says music therapists harness that response in their clients by playing songs that illicit positive emotional memories.
For Ms Bradford, it is “something I don’t really think I can put words to”.
“I always leave feeling brighter, full of joy — I can’t wait for next Tuesday to come.”
(from left) Theresa Brennan, Julie Coulson, and Beryl Bradford say they always feel brighter after the weekly music sessions. (ABC South West Vic: Jean Bell)
A ripple effect
Mercy Place lifestyle coordinator Megan Crossley says the music sessions are by far the most popular activity among residents.
“We used to have a small circle and it’s just got bigger and bigger and bigger and bigger,” she says.
Megan Crossley says the songs and spending time with kids can bring back happy memories for the residents. (ABC South West Vic: Jean Bell)
Ms Crossley says the emotional impact extends beyond the participants.
“You’ll look at someone that’s come to support their mum or dad and see what’s happening, and they’ll have tears in their eyes,” she says.
“That’s what does it to us too, we love the residents and they’re very special to us, so to see them really happy and uplifted, it makes our job really worthwhile.”
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