Facilitating well-being through music for older people with special needs.

This study examines the importance of music in facilitating well-being for older people who have special needs and discusses how music can contribute to well-being and quality of life. The data derive from qualitative interviews with a sample of older Australians aged 60 years and above who live in rural and urban settings. The findings reveal music can provide many people with ways of feeling competent, feeling less isolated, connecting with other people, and helping in the maintenance of a greater sense of good health. Music facilitates meaning in people's lives and is associated with a person's emotions and life experiences and allows them to engage in imaginative play and escape. The results reveal how music promotes quality of life for individuals living alone and also those who have responsibility in caring for others.