Cognitive, Motor and Social Factors of Music Instrument Training Programs for Older Adults' Improved Wellbeing.

ABSTRACT: Given emerging evidence that learning to play a musical instrument may lead to a number of cognitive benefits for older adults, it is important to clarify how these training programs can be delivered optimally and meaningfully. The effective acquisition of musical and domain-general skills by later-life learners may be influenced by social, cultural and individual factors within the learning environment. The current study examines the effects of a 10-week piano training program on healthy older adult novices' cognitive and motor skills, in comparison to an inactive waitlisted control group. Fifteen participants completed piano training led by a music facilitator in small groups (max n = 4 per lesson class; two experimental, two waitlisted control groups). Data was collected using an

SUBMITTER: MacRitchie J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6968490 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature