Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Thesis Format

Integrated Article

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy

Program

Music

Supervisor

Veblen, Kari K.

Abstract

This integrated-article dissertation explores music making in a community program for Korean older adult immigrants in Canada. Drawing upon WHO’s active aging framework and theoretical concepts of active aging, Erickson’s 8th stage, and lifelong learning, this research investigates social participation and engagement through music making among seniors.

The first article uses ethnographic research tools to explore a culturally specific community program for Korean elderly immigrants called Canada Enoch Seniors’ College. Through engaging musically in familiar songs in their mother tongue, participants re-defined/claimed identity and group membership. Music plays an important role as participants collectively remember their shared culture.

The following article is an ethnography of five Korean Canadian first-generation immigrant seniors. After surviving great historical turmoil, including oppression through Japanese rule and the Korean War, these elders chose to move to a foreign land, where they faced many barriers, in order to offer their children a better life. Now participants in the Enoch College, these older adults happily connect and recreate memories of their Korean homeland through music and shared activities in a church-based context. Their stories illuminate how music has been integral to their lives.

The third article assesses the program’s impact using a health-related quality of life survey SF-36v. This survey measures health -related quality of life and overall well-being. The results are statistically significant and suggest that the program provides positive effects to these elderly participants.

This research considers the power of music to promote wellness and active ageing among Korean Canadian seniors. Having a strong sense of meaning and purpose that music can afford is not only associated with well-being in old age, but also relates positively to successful coping with pain and illness. Although limited to a specific population in a particular time and context, this study contributes to growing body of research, filling. Voices of these Korean Canadian seniors offer valuable insights for music educators, community musicians, researchers, community program directors, health care providers as well as those guiding government policy.

Summary for Lay Audience

This integrated-article dissertation explores music making in a community program for Korean older adult immigrants in Canada. Drawing upon WHO’s active aging framework and theoretical concepts of active aging, Erickson’s 8th stage, and lifelong learning, this research investigates social participation and engagement through music making among seniors.

The first article uses ethnographic research tools to explore a culturally specific community program for Korean elderly immigrants called Canada Enoch Seniors’ College. Through engaging musically in familiar songs in their mother tongue, participants re-defined/claimed identity and group membership. Music plays an important role as participants collectively remember their shared culture.

The following article is an ethnography of five Korean Canadian first-generation immigrant seniors. After surviving great historical turmoil, including oppression through Japanese rule and the Korean War, these elders chose to move to a foreign land, where they faced many barriers, in order to offer their children a better life. Now participants in the Enoch College, these older adults happily connect and recreate memories of their Korean homeland through music and shared activities in a church-based context. Their stories illuminate how music has been integral to their lives.

The third article assesses the program’s impact using a health-related quality of life survey SF-36v. This survey measures health -related quality of life and overall well-being. The results are statistically significant and suggest that the program provides positive effects to these elderly participants.

This research considers the power of music to promote wellness and active ageing among Korean Canadian seniors. Having a strong sense of meaning and purpose that music can afford is not only associated with well-being in old age, but also relates positively to successful coping with pain and illness. Although limited to a specific population in a particular time and context, this study contributes to growing body of research, filling. Voices of these Korean Canadian seniors offer valuable insights for music educators, community musicians, researchers, community program directors, health care providers as well as those guiding government policy.

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