Music as a integrative and complementary practice in institutionalized elderly

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Population passed through an aging process in a short time, because the increased life expectancy and because the significant declines in fertility and mortality rates in recent years. These factors increase the involvement of this population with chronic degenerative diseases and Functional Disabilities (Incapacidades Funcionais - IFs), reasons that lead them to institutionalization. Searching for the life quality of the elderlies, long-term care institutions have been enjoying the benefit of music therapy, which seeks to prevent and minimize the symptoms of various diseases. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the therapeutic effects of music on elderly health promotion of a long-term care institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a qualitative research, with characteristics of action research, exploratory and interventionist. The research was developed in a long-term care Institution of a city in the Planalto Norte Catarinense (Northern Santa Catarina Plateau) and had a sample of 5 participants. The MEEM and WHOQOL-OLD instruments were applied before and after the intervention, which totaled 10 meetings lasting 45 minutes each At the end the participants answered a satisfaction questionnaire. RESULTS: After 10 meetings, MEEM increased. In the WHOQOL-OLD evaluation, an increase was observed after intervention in the domains of autonomy, past, present and future activities and in the domain of intimacy. Satisfaction of the research patients was positive regarding participation. CONCLUSIONS: Music therapy has positive results for cognitive improvement, quality of life, and socialization of the elderlies who live in a Long-term care institution.

Keywords: Aging. Music therapy. Quality of life.