This week on the Art of Aging, host Rev. Beth Long-Higgins welcomes Elizabeth Stamm, a board-certified music therapist, about the transformative power of music therapy in the lives of older adults. The discussion explores what music therapy is, how it addresses non-musical goals, and the importance of creativity, improvisation, and human connection in the healing process. Elizabeth shares personal stories illustrating the impact of music therapy on agency, achievement, and belonging, while emphasizing the value of authenticity and abundance in aging. Listeners will gain insight into the therapeutic process, the role of empowerment, the unique ways music can foster healing and self-expression at any stage of life, and so much more.

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

• Symposium Announcement and Theme (1:15)
• Liz’s Path to Music Therapy (1:31)
• Defining Music Therapy (2:50)
• Training and Client Participation (5:30)
• Empowerment and Overcoming Musical Trauma (6:56)
• Creativity and Humanism in Therapy (9:04)
• Music and the Brain (11:30)
• Inspiring Outcomes: Parkinson’s Example (13:48)
• Inspiring Outcomes: Dementia Example (16:40)
• Agency, Achievement, and Belonging (19:57)
• Clinical Improvisation Defined (22:07)
• Spirituality and “Free Sense” in Music (24:00)
• Catharsis and Emotional Expression (26:01)
• Abundant Aging Questions: Personal Aging Reflections (27:38)
• Connecting with Liz and Parting Thoughts (32:38)

Abundant Aging is a podcast series presented by United Church Homes. These shows offer ideas, information, and inspiration on how to improve our lives as we grow older. To learn more and to subscribe to the show, visit abundantagingpodcast.com.