Engaging older adults through interactive community music: An action research study at a nursing home in northern China

Community music practices, which prioritize active participation and interaction, have been widely explored in nursing home settings internationally. However, such practices are still limited in China, with most activities predominantly teacher-centred and offering few opportunities for meaningful engagement. The present study developed an Interactive Community Music Model (ICMM) through action research conducted at a nursing home in Hebei, China. The ICMM comprises three elements: principle, approach and activity . It was implemented over three cycles, each consisting of four one-hour sessions with ten healthy older Chinese adults. Data were collected after each cycle through interviews, research diaries, observations, field notes and video recordings to guide ongoing refinement. The findings from the first cycle indicated the need for more engaging warm-ups and cognitively stimulating activities. During the second cycle, the participants requested more energetic cool-downs, prompting the researchers to reflect on strategies that promote active participation. By the final cycle, the participants valued the ICMM for its appropriate activities, innovative approach and engaging atmosphere. Overall, the ICMM effectively fostered interactions, creativity and active participation, while offering a practical and adaptable framework for community music practices in nursing home contexts.