In this presentation, which will be led by two music therapists and a psychologist, the origins, protocol, and potential benefits of an intergenerational music therapy program (the “Jamboree”) will be shared. This program was developed in 2017 for long-term care residents to help them engage in music therapy sessions with small children from the local community. Since that time, the program has expanded to more than a dozen sites, including retirement and long-term care homes, adult day programs, and daycares. Attendees will be able to learn how to bring this type of program to their own workplace and will receive practical tips on how to facilitate Jamboree sessions.
Music-based activities can offer opportunities for connection. Music is a universal language and a safe place for people to meet when spoken communication becomes more challenging. Intergenerational relationships can help to address the loneliness and social isolation so often experienced by older adults, especially those living in communal settings like long-term care homes. Sadly, many individuals are aging without the opportunity for meaningful intergenerational connections. The Intergenerational Jamboree was created to address this issue. The Jamboree is a music therapy program in which young children, typically under the age of 4, and their accompanying adults (e.g., parent, grandparent) take part in weekly music therapy sessions along with older adults. During each session, an accredited music therapist leads the group in singing songs, moving to music, using instruments and props (e.g., drums, scarves, bubbles), and gently facilitates interaction between participants. Additional care providers (e.g., recreation team members) observe, support, and can participate in the program alongside the residents. The Jamboree provides opportunities to connect through music and promotes intergenerational relationships between participants of all ages. Having children come into these spaces with older adults can help to break down stigma about aging and dementia. Formal evaluation of the Jamboree has demonstrated positive benefits for those who participate in and observe the sessions. The impact of the Jamboree program is wide-ranging and can help provide a sense of anticipation, connection, and community to the entire site. We will explain how to bring this innovative and powerful program to settings across the globe, and how to help older adults create and engage in meaningful intergenerational opportunities with younger children from the community.
1. Attendees will learn how the Intergenerational Jamboree, an 8-week music therapy program, was first developed at a long-term care home in Guelph, Canada and expanded to more than a dozen sites
2. Attendees will learn about the benefits of intergenerational music therapy for residents, children from the community, and staff, in particular how this program can provide individualized music therapy experiences to address client’s affect, emotion, and moods, cognitive function, and musical and other creative responses.
3. Attendees will learn more about partnering with researchers to evaluate and help scale up their innovative programs, and better understand how to integrate current research and literature in music therapy into their own work
