Older Adult's Preferences Between Traditional Music Therapy Techniques versus i-Pad Technology Assisted Music Therapy Techniques

The purpose of this study was to determine whether older adults prefer traditional music therapy techniques or iPad assisted music therapy techniques. Participants (N=17) for this study were well-elderly adults contacted through a local Senior Center in the southeastern part of the country. All participants were at least 65 or older, in typical health, and able to give consent for their own participation (being of sound mind). After giving consent, each participant participated in four music therapy sessions, once per week, which included both traditional and iPad assisted techniques. The first session focused on singing and instrument play, the second session focused on movement to music, the third session focused on relaxation, and the fourth session focused on reminiscence. Directly after each session the participants completed a survey asking them to rate their preferences between traditional and iPad assisted music therapy techniques. Using One-Way ANOVA and Dependent t tests, analysis revealed that participants prefer traditional music therapy during the instrument sing/play and movement sessions, but preferred iPad assisted music therapy during the relaxation and reminiscence sessions. At the conclusion of the study, participants were asked to complete a final a wrap-up survey to document their overall preferences between traditional and iPad assisted music therapy techniques. Results found that participants preferred the iPad assisted music therapy for the overall entire study.