Bringing the World’s Music to Seniors: Connecting, Inspiring, and Enriching Lives
“Residents have loved every Center for World Music concert. They always look forward to these events. The event attendance outcome multiplies whenever we have you here. So thank you!”
—Eunice, resident service coordinator
Access to Arts for Seniors brings the transformative power of live music and dance to San Diego’s older adults. Through vibrant, interactive 1-hour performances, this Center for World Music program fosters connection, happiness, and well-being, delivering tailored cultural experiences directly to seniors in the communities where they live.
Inclusive programming, combined with opportunities for residents to engage in small group settings with highly accomplished artists, bridges cultural divides, broadens horizons, and promotes a sense of community. The multiple ways in which engagement with live arts improves our elders’ quality of life is well-documented.1See, for example, The art of life and death: 14 year follow-up analyses of associations between arts engagement and mortality in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, BMJ 2019, https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l6377 and Sherman Vanderark, Isadore Newman, Sarah Bell, The Effects of Music Participation on Quality of Life of the Elderly, Music Therapy 3:1, 1983, Pages 71–81, https://doi.org/10.1093/mt/3.1.71.
Connecting Through Music and Dance
We believe the arts are most impactful when they bring people together. By encouraging residents to engage with the performers and one another, we support your mission to provide opportunities for meaningful connection, enriching your residents’ daily lives and reducing isolation.
| Live Performances | Q&A Sessions | Engagement |
|---|---|---|
| From a cozy group workshop in a community room to a performance to fill a large hall, seniors get up close with talented artists sharing music and dance from around the world. These immersive and engaging events are designed to spark curiosity and joy. | Attendees are encouraged to ask questions and interact with the artists after each performance. These conversations create a space for sharing personal stories, life experiences, and perspectives from both the audience and the artists, making the experience richer and more meaningful for everyone involved. | We create musical spaces where everyone feels welcome, tailoring events to minimize physical and language barriers. Through in-depth storytelling, group clapping with the beat, and other methods, we make our programs fun and accessible to all. Rhythms, in particular, transcend language, offering a universal way to connect. |
—Letitia Rogers, Access to Arts for Seniors Program Coordinator
Making a Difference for San Diego Seniors
Why is this program important?
America’s senior population is growing rapidly—by 2030, all Baby Boomers will be 65 or older.2U.S. Administration for Community Living. 2023 Profile of Older Americans. May 2024. Here in San Diego, the number of seniors has been rising steadily, with one in five residents expected to be over 65 by 2050.3SANDAG Series 15 Forecast. March 2024.
Many older adults face challenges like living alone, mobility issues, or limited access to cultural activities, leading to feelings of isolation. This can take a toll on their mental and physical health.4KPBS. “San Diego’s Senior Population to Increase in Coming Years.” April 2024.
That’s where Access to the Arts for Seniors steps in. By bringing live music and dance directly to seniors, we help combat loneliness, improve well-being, and inspire joy. Our program aligns with the California Master Plan on Aging’s goal of “Inclusion & Equity, Not Isolation,” ensuring every senior has the chance to enjoy cultural enrichment and connect with their community.
How does this program make a difference for seniors?
Music has a special way of resonating with seniors, sparking joy, nostalgia, and cultural pride. Through these experiences, residents build connections, recall fond memories, and celebrate their heritage—all while learning about other cultures.
How does this program support your missions and staff?
Our program aligns with your goals of providing high-quality resident activities. We partner with senior communities to enhance the resident experience while making it easy for your team. We handle all the logistics from scheduling and artist coordination to day-of support.
What do participants say about Access to the Arts?
“As Friedrich Nietzsche said, ‘Life without music would be a mistake.’ Your music was wonderful. Thank you. Thank you all.”
—Henry, resident
“With the variety of music provided, residents are learning about different backgrounds and promoting diversity. We have noticed a sense of connection among residents through a shared love for music. Residents have expressed satisfaction after every event. They even benefit from exercise when they have had the opportunity to dance. Thank you for all that you do!”
—Eunice Gonzalez, resident service coordinator
“This is the best we’ve ever had! . . .
“Your program brought great joy, socialization opportunities for my residents. It bonded my residents more, creating more harmony and community cohesion for sure! It brought life and excitement to my seniors, especially to those who have no chance to go out to enjoy music performance on their own. Thank you for your support and great partnership as always!”
—Nancy Lan, resident service coordinator
“Oftentimes I see residents at these events who will normally rarely leave their apartments. It’s something they truly look forward to, and it’s something all of our residents, even the non-English speakers, can enjoy.”
— Maya McCauley, resident service coordinator
“I needed this today. God brought me here.”
— Patricia, a resident finding comfort in music during a tough time
“In the last two years [of quarterly programming], I have noticed that more residents are attending, and the residents are happier. I see residents leave the room with a big smile—dancing! Residents are now looking forward to music day. Thank you so much Letitia for getting to know the residents and learning which music group they will enjoy. The music program brings happiness to the building.”
—Yesenia Gonzalez, Service Coordinator
How many communities in San Diego are offering this program?
Since its start in 2019 in partnership with RAHD Group and 12 senior affordable housing communities, the Access to Arts for Seniors program has expanded to serve 16 senior living communities across the San Diego area. We continue to grow, bringing live world music and dance to even more settings.
How much does the program cost?
Our program features live performances, logistical coordination, and event support. Customized options/packages begin at $300 for a solo artist.
We recommend establishing an ongoing partnership to realize the advantages of music programming fully. Our collaboration with the RAHD Group serves as a model, delivering quarterly one-hour performances free to residents at participating properties.
You are invited to use the link below to reach out for more information.
Professional Leadership
Letitia (center) gets a warm hug at after-event celebration
Our program is led by Letitia Rogers, a passionate advocate for seniors with a background in activity coordination and the therapeutic use of music. She works alongside talented musicians, many of whom are part of our World Music in the Schools program. Our performers are chosen for their exceptional skills and their interest in engaging with senior audiences. Together, they create performances that are full of energy, culture, and heart.
Bring these Enriching Programs to Your Community
The Center for World Music is committed to making world music and dance available to everyone. We’re happy to work within your budget to bring these enriching experiences to your senior community. For more details, please contact Letitia Rogers, our Access to the Arts for Seniors program coordinator.
Special thanks to the RAHD Group for being the founding partner for Access to Arts for Seniors.
