Brighton and Hove Older People’s Music

According to the Brighton & Hove Health and Wellbeing Strategy (HWBS) 2019-30, the city’s population is ageing whilst average healthy life expectancy is declining:

• The risk of loneliness in over-65s in our city is in the top 20% in England
• 41% of over 65-year-olds live alone

Arts and cultural activities offer compelling ways to address loneliness. Research shows that community music activities create cultural resources and capacities, challenge social isolation and promote a sense of community (Gibson & Gordon, 2018; Schiavio et al., 2019). However older people are often excluded from participating due to the cost, a lack of confidence or the ability to go out independently due to health conditions such as dementia. Arts Council England research shows that 11% of adults not engaging with the arts are homebound older people.