Applied gerontology is the study of the aging processes. This academic and professional field emerged when professional societies and peer-reviewed journals began post Second World War (Birren, 2002). These social and behavioral researchers started investigating physical aging on a micro-level (individual) and public policy on a macro-level (society). For example, a micro-level inquiry focused on a lifestyle of recommended nutrition and vigorous exercise through the aging process, whereas a macro-level inquiry focused on the public policy of congregate nutrition, socialization, and exercise at senior centers. Researchers of the mid-20th-century viewed aging as abnormal, on the other hand, researchers of the 21st-century view aging as normal (Wilmoth & Ferraro, 2007). Due to advancements in nutrition and exercise sciences in past decades, applied gerontologists are now focusing their research on healthy …show more content…
Community music repertoire (collection of music compositions) reflects community musicians’ cultural values, beliefs, and behaviors (Veblen, 2011). Veblen explains that community music in the field of research that refers to musicians, not listeners, which is important in searching for salient studies. Many healthy older adults want an activity that motivates them to participate in their community. In Fargo, North Dakota, there are two NHIMA community music programs of choice, which are choir and brass band; membership eligibility is based on music training at some point in the life course. However, there are independent ensembles that accept members without music training. The value of music to older adults might be viewed by the popular folk song titled Mr. Tanner (Chapin, 1973). The song was written by the late Harry Chapin (1942-1981), who declared the importance of music to Martin Tubridy, a professional clothes cleaner of Ohio, and ostensibly the voice of the older population who believe music is life, not a livelihood (Chapin,