Mind the technology gap: A case study of music engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic

People aged 65 and older outnumber children under the age of five across the globe. Data from the United Nations indicates that the growing aging population is not living better. Conditions such as dementia, stroke and Parkinson's disease are increasing with few effective treatments available. Psychosocial approaches to improve care are therefore urgently needed. Use of music in the care of older people is becoming common with a growing evidence base indicating positive outcomes such as reduction in anxiety, elicitation of memories, and improved communication. During the COVID-19 pandemic technology has provided the primary means of communication and service provision. This research used a case study approach to explore the impact of using WhatsApp during the pandemic (March - May 2020) to send daily videos and songs with and without musical accompaniment, plus tutorials for writing and singing songs. 27 people aged 60-87 years in Castellón, Spain took part. Of those, 12 were interviewed using a semi-structured approach. Data was analysed qualitatively using QuestionPro software. The results indicated the importance of musical activity in their lives and the difficulties experienced in using technologies including WhatsApp and GoogleMeet. Whilst participants valued the WhatsApp sessions they were not able to replicate the advantages of performing musical activities in person. In conclusion, technologies can help older people to remain connected to musical activities however training and support is required to facilitate effective engagement. This is likely to be an issue beyond the pandemic, for example for those who are geographically isolated or frail and unable to attend music activities in person. Nevertheless, new technologies support pseudonormality in musical activities for older people, providing an interactive platform when in-person contact is not possible.