WHOLENESS IN LATER LIFE » (New Edition)

Bright, Ruth

The book contains no figures.

MaryBeth Tank Buschmann

This book presents older adults from a holistic viewpoint, and includes cultural, spiritual, physical, and psychological factors. It is divided into two sections, the theoretical background and practical ideas drawn from music therapy. The purpose is to distinguish between wholeness and perfection in various aspects of later life. This book is aimed at older adults, as well as professionals involved in the medical and psychosocial care of the older adult. There is an emphasis on the use of music therapy. There are no illustrations. The references as a whole are current, but specific areas, such as depression, are questionable. There is an author index and a subject index. The initial span of this book is too global both in respect to the audience and to the content to be effective. The theoretical background is too general and the practical applications are too specific to music therapy for general use. However, the chapters on cultural and spiritual aspects are refreshing, since these are often overlooked. The two sections have an artificial distinction and are really part of a continuum. This book is a mixture of professional and lay presentation of first and third person language; and of research based information and anecdotal material. I would not recommend this book for researchers or educators.