As global statistics show, the population of the world is turning into an aged population. Due to this, elderly health has become a top priority in most countries. By 2050, it is estimated that 20% of the world population will be 60-years or older. As a result of this demographic trend, there will be an increase in the need for older adult services, including the need to meaningfully attend to this burgeoning population during the end of life period.

Research has shown that music impacts brain function and human behavior, including by reducing stress, pain and symptoms of depression. Music is proven to be helpful in improving cognitive and motor skills, spatial temporal learning and neurogenesis, which is the brain’s ability to produce neurons. Some studies have also shown that actively and passively engaging with music can improve working memory and recognition memory. As older adults are more at risk of neurodegeneration, music is a sort-of way to reduce the risk of disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinsons and improve mental and physical well being. 

Therefore, this project aims to engage with senior citizens through music learning and music activities by publishing suitable learning materials and facilitating a music learning programme that caters to their needs.

Vision: To foster happiness through active music participation, cultivating lifelong learning and promoting mental and physical well being among senior citizens in Malaysia

Mission 1 : Book and Audio Publication

Create and publish suitable materials for music learning that caters to older adults in Malaysia. Through publication, senior citizens would be encouraged to continue their learning journey.

Mission 2 : Community Engagement

Provide a sustainable learning environment for older adults to be engaged physically and mentally. Furthermore, uniting communities from diverse backgrounds through the love of music.

1. Book Publishing

Six popular Malaysian tunes will be arranged and compiled into a music book tailored specifically for elderly audiences. This book will encompass songs in Malay, English and Mandarin. Prior research will be done to ensure the selection of pieces that would resonant best with our target demographic. The arrangements would be simple, featuring easy rhythms, melodies and notation that is conducive to the learning of older individuals. Concise descriptions and practical tips will be added to enrich readers' understanding and engagement. Materials will also be edited following the feedback of the participants. Ultimately, this book will be published as a beginner-friendly educational material.

2. Audio Recording Sessions

After the compilation and arrangements of songs, we will proceed to several audio recording sessions of these songs. The recordings will be solely instrumental using acoustic instruments. The final product will be a collection of complementary instrumental tracks that aids in the learning of these songs.

3. Virtual Choir Rehearsal Sessions 

Senior citizens and older adults will be involved in this project, this includes the senior citizens choirs from the Selangor region and choirs for the people with special needs. Participants are also recruited through a mass online recruitment.  

Each choir will be given 4 virtual choir rehearsals where the virtual choir rehearsals will be conducted 2-hours weekly for 4 consecutive weeks. The participants will learn 3 songs from the book. Music activities will also be taught to engage participants physically and mentally. Two choir directors from our project committee will lead these rehearsals. 

4. Music Camp and Book Launch

Following the 4 virtual choir sessions will be a 1 day Music Camp that would conclude the whole programme. This music camp will consist of music activities, a music and wellbeing talk and choir rehearsals. The camp will end with the launching of the book. A mini music recital will also be held featuring performances by the participant choir and instrumental performances of other songs from the book. The book and audio tracks would be given as a token of appreciation to the participants of this whole programme. 

• Foster a community among senior citizens that engages in life-long learning and active lifestyle 
• Empower senior citizens in music-making
• Providing an alternative leisure activity that encourages productivity
• Unite communities from diverse backgrounds
• Improve overall quality of life among senior citizens