Music listening: its effects in creating a healing environment

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Nursing
• Health Psychology

Background:

• Aging is associated with functional decline, cognitive impairment, and social isolation.
• Nurses play a crucial role in creating healing environments to support older adult well-being.
• Music listening presents a potential non-pharmacological intervention to address these challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the evidence supporting music listening as an intervention to enhance the healing environment for older adults.
• To provide examples of how nurses can utilize music to improve patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies examining the physiological and psychological effects of music on older adults.
• Synthesis of evidence on music's impact on mood, cognition, pain perception, and social connection.
• Identification of practical applications for nurses.

Main Results:

• Music listening demonstrates positive physiological effects, such as reduced pain perception and improved functional capacity.
• Psychologically, music enhances emotional connection, self-awareness, and overall quality of life.
• Music serves as a safe, cost-effective, and easily implementable tool for nurses.

Conclusions:

• Music listening is a valuable, evidence-based intervention for nurses to promote a healing environment in older adults.
• It effectively addresses common age-related challenges including pain, confusion, and functional deficits.
• Nurses can independently integrate music to improve the health and well-being of geriatric patients.