The power of intergenerational music sessions to support emotional wellbeing

Amanda from Live The Beat led an intergenerational music session at a care home, welcoming five children from a local nursery alongside two members of nursery staff. For many of the residents, this was their first experience of an intergenerational music session.

From the moment the children entered the room, there was a noticeable sense of warmth, excitement and anticipation. Residents were delighted to see the children, and the atmosphere quickly filled with smiles, singing, laughter and meaningful interaction. Familiar songs, musical activities and shared moments of play created genuine connections between generations, bringing joy to everyone present.

Following the session, Amanda and the care home's Activity Lead spent time reflecting on the residents' responses. The Activity Lead commented on how every resident had joined in by singing, clapping and smiling throughout the experience. However, two ladies in particular had made a remarkable impression.

Mary (81)
Mary often presents with low energy and limited enthusiasm for activities. She can appear sleepy and disengaged, and it is common for her to fall asleep during group sessions if she is not sufficiently stimulated.

During the intergenerational music session, however, Mary remained engaged from beginning to end. She maintained her focus throughout, sang along, smiled warmly and laughed with the children. Her enjoyment was evident, and she actively participated in the shared musical experience.

The Activity Lead reflected:

"The genuine smiles from today's session! I've literally never seen her as engaged. Normally she falls asleep halfway through if she's not stimulated enough. Today she was fully aware, smiling, laughing and taking part!"

Mary's response demonstrated the powerful impact that meaningful intergenerational experiences can have in sustaining attention, encouraging participation and promoting emotional wellbeing.

Barbara (83)
Barbara, aged 83, also surprised staff with her response to the session. Barbara lives with depression, and although she often finds it difficult to engage, the presence of the children had a profound effect on her mood.

Following the session, the Activity Lead shared:

"Barbara lives with depression and hasn't stopped talking about the pure nature of the children. She has since been uplifted and bright in mood even hours after it took place."

Rather than the low mood staff had become accustomed to seeing, Barbara remained animated, positive and reflective long after the music had ended. The joy she experienced through connecting with the children continued well beyond the session itself.

Reflections
Amanda was delighted to receive this feedback from the Activity Lead. During the session, both Mary and Barbara had appeared fully engaged, joyful and connected, with no visible signs of the challenges they regularly experience. Hearing that Mary usually struggles to stay engaged and that Barbara lives with depression made their responses even more meaningful.

This experience highlights the unique value of intergenerational music in supporting emotional wellbeing, stimulating engagement and creating opportunities for genuine human connection. The presence of the children, combined with shared music-making, enabled both ladies to reconnect with feelings of joy, purpose and playfulness.

This session demonstrates the lasting impact that intergenerational music can have on everyone involved. The joy and meaningful connections created benefit not only the children and residents, but also staff, who witness the positive changes in mood, engagement and wellbeing that these shared experiences inspire.