Intergenerational Music and Movement Pilot
2020
Discover how Holistic Harmonies’ pilot music and movement programme in a Liverpool nursing home connected residents, children, and parents across generations.
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Integenerational Music and Movement pilot report
Intergenerational Music and Movement video
In the summer of 2019, Holistic Harmonies partnered with an older person’s specialist physiotherapist to run a six-week pilot programme of intergenerational music and movement sessions in a nursing home in South Liverpool. The sessions brought together residents, local parents, and pre-school children in an inclusive, creative environment that combined familiar songs with accessible dance movements. The programme aimed to promote movement, positive emotions, and social connections across generations.
Our Approach
Shortwork collaborated with Holistic Harmonies and physiotherapist Clare McCarrol to explore the programme’s impact on residents, children, parents, session leaders, and care home staff. Using participatory research sessions and semi-structured interviews, the evaluation captured qualitative insights into the benefits, challenges, and barriers to participation.
Key Findings
Breaking down barriers and reconnecting community: Residents reported reduced isolation, while parents and children valued exposure to older generations, broadening understanding and empathy.
Promoting togetherness: Shared singing and movement fostered group cohesion, with structured activities, familiar songs, and props enhancing engagement. The ‘hello song’ and informal interaction spaces were particularly effective in creating an inclusive atmosphere.
Supporting active and passive participation: Participants could engage at their own pace, whether through movement, singing, or simply observing, creating a relaxed and enjoyable environment for all.
Positive impacts on body and mind: Residents increased physical activity, children gained confidence, and parents reported joy and social connection. Sessions also offered older participants an opportunity to reminisce and build meaningful relationships.
Challenges
Barriers included venue constraints, session timing, staffing changes, and limited funding. These factors affected continuity and participation, highlighting the need for sustainable resourcing to maintain intergenerational programmes.
Key Learning and Next Steps
Structure and ethos matter: acknowledgment, live music, accessible dance, props, and active participant roles foster engagement and enjoyment.
Intergenerational participation benefits all generations, with parents, especially mothers, gaining social and emotional rewards.
Future programmes could explore hybrid online and outdoor delivery methods to maintain engagement, particularly in light of COVID-19 restrictions.
Funding and collaboration with local organisations are critical to sustain and expand opportunities for meaningful intergenerational interaction.
“At the beginning everyone was in their seats, [by] the third week residents were standing and moving. From my perspective they are challenging their muscles, dynamic balance and coordination of movements. These are the things that tend to decline with age due to inactivity, especially in nursing home residents.”
Care home staff member
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