• Journal of Music and Human Behavior
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.113-133
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• 2024

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a community-based group singing program on the quality of life, loneliness, and depression among older adults living alone in the community. The study employed a one-group pretest-posttest design with 27 older adults who utilized community social welfare services. Participants took part in the community-based group singing program for a total of 12 sessions, each lasting 50 minutes, at a frequency of 1 to 2 times per week. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted to measure changes in quality of life, loneliness, and depression. The program was structured into three stages based on the participatory process model of community music therapy. Stage 1 focused on fostering sense of community through music participation, Stage 2 aimed at developing group attachment through musical cooperation and mutual emotional support, and Stage 3 sought to enhance self-efficacy and self-actualization within the musical community. The results showed a significant improvement in the participants' quality of life scores (p < .001) and a statistically significant reduction in loneliness (p < .001) and depression levels (p = .001) after the program. These findings suggest that community-based music therapy program can be beneficial in enhancing quality of life and alleviating social isolation among older adults in an era of rapid population aging. The current study also presents evidence of the effectiveness of community-based music therapy programs for older adults in South Korea.