bbc.com
Dying Well with Music: Personal Playlists Offer Comfort and Connection
A UK DJ facing terminal illness creates a life playlist, highlighting music's therapeutic role in palliative care, supported by research and expert opinions.
- What is the significance of personalized music playlists in end-of-life care?
- Personalized playlists offer comfort and connection for terminally ill individuals and their loved ones. Research shows music stimulates multiple brain regions, offering therapeutic benefits even with cognitive decline. Sharing music creates shared experiences, reducing anxiety and fostering a sense of normalcy.
- How do experts support the use of music in palliative care, and what evidence is there for its effectiveness?
- Experts like Dr. Sam Murphy and the Utley Foundation cite neurological evidence showing music's impact on brain activity, even in those with dementia or unconsciousness. Studies, such as the Marie Curie survey of 1000 adults, show music helps create shared experiences, relaxation, and closer bonds between patients and loved ones.
- What are the practical steps for creating a meaningful palliative care playlist, and how does music continue to provide comfort after death?
- Creating a playlist should focus on songs from ages 10-30, associated with significant life events and feelings. Music can even trigger memories in those with dementia. After death, shared music offers continued comfort and connection to the deceased, preserving their memory and providing solace for the bereaved.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a balanced view of using music as a palliative care tool, showcasing both the personal experiences of individuals and expert opinions from various fields. The narrative doesn't overtly favor any specific viewpoint, allowing the reader to draw their own conclusions based on the presented evidence.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective. The article employs descriptive language to convey emotion without using loaded terms or overly sentimental language. For instance, the phrase "everlasting connection" is descriptive rather than judgmental.
Bias by Omission
While the article covers various aspects of using music in end-of-life care, it could benefit from including perspectives from music therapists or exploring the potential limitations of music therapy, such as its effectiveness varying between individuals or the potential for triggering negative emotions in some cases. However, given the scope of the article, these omissions are understandable.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article directly addresses the positive impact of music on palliative and end-of-life care, improving the quality of life for patients and their families. Music therapy is shown to reduce anxiety, pain, and improve emotional well-being in individuals facing terminal illness. The article highlights how music can stimulate brain activity even in individuals with cognitive impairment, improving their overall sense of well-being. This aligns with SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.