Intergenerational Music Project
Overview
The aim of this project was to introduce targeted pupils from Carrick Academy, South Ayrshire to residents of South Lodge Residential Home, providing them with an opportunity to sit down and have a discussion about the different types of music they listened to when they were younger. Pupils were tasked with sourcing music and transferring the songs on to MP3 player for the residents. Each MP3 player would be different and would be personalised to each individual.
This type of music therapy has been proved to be very beneficial for older people as it helps to bring back memories and improve concentration.
The pupils interviewed nine elderly residents; and took detailed notes of all of the different types of music and artists that they enjoyed listening to.
The young people explained that they would source all the music and download the songs onto MP3 players. Each resident would have their own personalised MP3 player with their choice of music downloaded on it; and there would be over 400 songs on each MP3 player. The pupils also explained that they would accompany the residents to a show of their choosing in the Gaiety Theatre or Ayr Town Hall. The residents and the staff of South Lodge Residential Home looked at a list of all of the shows over the coming weeks and they selected “Love changes everything” as the one that they would like to attend.
At the end of the project the young people accompanied the older people on an outing to a show. It is hoped the project will achieve the following:
∞ Both young and old gain a healthy respect for each other
∞ Make the young people aware of the needs of older people
∞ Improve communication skills of the young people
∞ Familiarise the residents with modern technology
∞ Make the quality of life better for the older people by undertaking this project
Benefits for the Community
∞ Both young and old gain a healthy respect for each other
∞ Familiarise the residents with modern technology
∞ Make the quality of life better for the older people by undertaking this project
Benefits for the Younger People
∞ Make the young people aware of the needs of older people
∞ Improve communication skills of the young people
Benefits for the Older People
∞ Both young and old gain a healthy respect for each other
∞ Familiarise the residents with modern technology
∞ Make the quality of life better for the older people by undertaking this project.
Funding South Ayrshire Council
Evaluation
By using photographic and verbal evidence. Feedback from the manager of the Residential Home and from school teachers.
Local Priorities
Scottish NPF Objectives
This project contributes to the Scottish National Performance Framework (NPF).