This is an outdated version published on 2024-05-30. Read the most recent version.

Beatles and Boomers: Music Fandom as a Resource for Well-being

Authors

  • Candy Leonard Investigadora independent

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.28939/iam.debats-138-1.4

Abstract

This piece weaves together three separate areas of research and shows how baby boomers’ lifetime of
deep engagement with music and music fandom are resources that can be leveraged by fans, families,
and healthcare professionals to extend healthspan, mitigate loneliness, and otherwise improve
quality of life for this first generation of “old fans” and those that follow. First, drawing on an
in-depth qualitative study of Beatles fandom, I will show that the band’s constant presence in the
culture and in boomers’ lives through six critical years of development had a profound and enduring
impact, and that this experience has been a lifelong resource for resiliency and well-being. Then,
looking at research in neuromusicology and music therapy, I will show the many ways music functions
as a health technology for older adults. Finally, looking at these issues in light of current and
predicted decline in cognitive functioning and other indicators of well-being in this generation,
this article proposes that boomers are uniquely primed and positioned to benefit from the
therapeutic use of music for overall health and as support for the gerotranscendent
stage of adult development.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Downloads

Published

2024-05-30

Versions

How to Cite

Leonard, C. (2024) “Beatles and Boomers: Music Fandom as a Resource for Well-being”, Debats. Journal on culture, power and society, 138(1), pp. 63–75. doi: 10.28939/iam.debats-138-1.4.

Issue

Vol. 138 No. 1 (2024): El rock en la sociologia. Cossos, consums i sons

Section

SPECIAL ISSUE

License

Without prejudice to the provisions of article 52 of Spanish Law 22/1987 of November 11 on Intellectual Property, BOE (official state bulletin) of November 17, 1987, and pursuant to said legislation, the author(s) surrender(s) free of charge its rights of edition, publication, distribution and sale of the article, for its publication in Debats. Journal on Culture, Power and Society.

Debats. Journal on Culture, Power and Society is published under the Creative Commons license system in accordance with the «Recognition - Non-Commercial (by-nc) modality: The generation of derivative works is permitted provided that commercial use is not made. Nor can the original work be used for commercial purposes».

Thus, when the author submits his/her contribution, he/she explicitly accepts this assignment of publishing and publishing rights. Authors also authorize Debats. Journal on Culture, Power and Society to include their work in an issue of the journal to be distributed and sold.