The purpose of the master's thesis was to explore the education of the older adults with a focus on music education.
Research from various fields of gerontology shows that education of the older adults is important from the perspective of the individual and society.
Due to ageisms, stereotypes and misconceptions, they are often marginalized and, in addition they also face specific problems related to old age, such as the decline in physical capacity and shrinking of social networks. Adult education plays an important role in improving social inclusion, developing activities and maintaining cognitive skills.
The research focuses on music education in the older adult group because it is relatively poorly developed in our environment, although many researchers have found how musical engagement has a positive effect on various aspects of age.
In the empirical part of the research we studied the functioning of the Brenkice Study group, which takes place within the university for the third age at the Center for Education and Culture of Trebnje.
The group is unique because the participants learn how to play guitar and sing Slovenian popular songs. Qualitative study was used in the research methodology. Through interviews and the participatory observation method, we explored characteristics of non-formal education in the study group.
The key findings of the research thesis are that music education contributes to the expansion of the social network of members of the study group and influences the experience of quality of life. Those involved report better psycho-physical well-being, gaining experiences, knowledge, skills and new perspectives on life. They change old patterns of thought, to new ones. Music education and learning in the study group presents an important part of their lives.
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