Music and Imagery with Physically Disabled Elderly Residents: A GIM Adaption

Abstract

Outlines a music and imagery program with physically disabled elderly residents in which the H. Bonny (1978, 1980) method of guided imagery and music (GIM) was adapted to the group setting. Participants (aged 72–90 yrs) exhibited a range of physical disabilities, including those resulting from head trauma (stroke), sensory deficits, fractures, and systemic problems. The format of the weekly 1-hr sessions included extensive therapeutic discussion, a GIM-like induction, and carefully selected taped classical music that ranged in length from approximately 4 to 12 min. Results indicated that the elderly residents used imagery vividly and effectively to address a broad range of past, current, and impending future issues, including disability, bereavement, sexuality, and the aging process. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)