Abstract
Objective: Older 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.
Method: A 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.
Results: The 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.
Conclusion: Occupational 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.