• Rebecca Barton.
• School of Occupational Therapy, University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46227, USA. rbarton@uindy.edu
• Work. 2004 Jan 1; 22 (2): 131-8.

ObjectiveOlder musicians may develop occupational performance problems resulting from age-related changes and features unique to their occupation. The purpose of this study was to describe the impact of the aging process on an older professional musician.MethodA phenomenological approach was used to study the effects of the aging process on a 71 year old, semi-retired, part-time paid jazz musician. Data were gathered through interviews and observations of performance environments, and analyzed using a grounded hermeneutic approach. An expert panel facilitated theme development.ResultsThe musician's experiences related to changes in an ability to perform his daily occupations, including music; his response to the external changes in the playing environment and in his relationships with others; and the way in which he has coped with these changes.ConclusionOccupational therapists who provide intervention for older musicians must implement a client centered approach to care, which provides strategies the musician can use to overcome the challenges related to aging in order to continue professional performance.

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