s and brooding, improved concentration, better attitudes, a feeling of relationship with other patients in the hospital, and participation in activities typical of the world outside the hospital. The shows serve as a bridge for returning to the community and afford a richer way of life for those who must remain hospitalized.Music is well suited to the treatment of geriatric patients because of the gratification and socialization that may result from creative experience with it. The nonverbal stimulus of simple rhythm is very effective with patients who have a diminished rapport with reality. Rhythmics, an essential part of the program, was designed to reactivate enjoyment of bodily movement, to provide remedial work for the skeletal and muscular problems so frequent in old age, and to effect reconditioning in motor functions. It also provides an avenue of expression on the nonverbal level. When group singing has been used with senile incoherent patients, the patients seemed to enjoy most those folk songs with which they were acquainted. Because of the patients' short attention spans, music used occasionally and for only a short time was most effective. It was concluded that the activity was a pleasurable experience and resulted in increasing group cohesiveness. A positive atmosphere of sociability and entertainment was noted, and the cleanliness, morale, and general behavior of the patients seemed to improve. Music is used in general hospitals to alleviate pain in conjunction with anesthesia or pain medication. It is used elevate patients' mood and counteract depression. Music is used to promote movement for physical rehabilitation. Slow music is used to calm or sedate, or often to induce sleep. The same is used to counteract apprehension or fear, and lesson muscle tension for the purpose of relaxation.The future of music therapy is promising because state of the art music therapy research in physical rehabilitation, Alzhei...
