Therapeutic uses of Music with Older Adults

Abstract: Music thanatology is a form of palliative care that uses prescriptive music to provide comfort as death occurs (Paxton 1994). Developed by Schroeder-Sheker, music thanatology follows the traditions developed in medieval Europe that allow people to let go of life at the point of death. Theoretically, the medieval chants that are sung in latin, which have no beat, time signature, or major or minor tonality, allow people torelax their connection to time and life. The music is performed live and is adapted to the particular needs of individuals in the spirit of making the last hours of life a part of the life cycle that is beautiful, reverent, dignified, and intimate /Schroeder-Sheker, 1993). Therefore, music at the point of death is used to create an environment of comfort to dying people and their families. (p.190-1)

Note: From an Internet-note by Christine Watson Oct. 23, 1997

Keyword(s): Palliative care. Thanatology

Zurück | Weiter