SILENT DISCO HEADPHONE PARTIES IN CANADIAN LONG-TERM CARE HOMES - Part 1 - study summary

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Dipper

Silent disco headphone parties offer an innovative way to foster social connection and engagement among older adults in long-term care by enabling residents to dance and enjoy music through wireless, multichannel headphones. A study across three Canadian LTC homes examined the experiences of 180 participants using video ethnography, including recordings, interviews, direct observation, and focus groups. Thematic analysis identified themes of bridging generations, fostering social interaction, and promoting community, with participants reporting spontaneous connection, stronger resident-caregiver ties, and intergenerational engagement.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Study design and participants

Key themes and reported impacts

Implications and future research

Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 211 Abstract citation ID: igaf122.709 SILENT DISCO HEADPHONE PARTIES IN CANADIAN LONG-TERM CARE HOMES Lillian Hung, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Silent disco headphone parties offer an innovative way to foster social connection and engagement among older adults in long-term care (LTC) by allowing residents to dance and enjoy music through wireless, multichannel headphones. Unlike traditional group activities, silent discos provide residents with the autonomy to select their preferred music while participating in 212 Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 a shared, joyful and immersive experience. Given the high prevalence of loneliness and social isolation among LTC residents, finding creative approaches to encourage social interaction and meaningful engagement is essential. This study examined the experiences of 180 participants—including residents, family members, and interdisciplinary staff—across three Canadian LTC homes. Data were collected using video ethnography, incorporating video recordings, conversational interviews, direct observations, and focus groups to capture diverse perspectiveson the experience. Thematic analysis revealed three central themes: bridging generations, fostering social interaction, and promoting a sense of community. Participants expressed that silent disco parties created opportunities for spontaneous interactions, strengthened connections between residents and caregivers, and facilitated intergenerational engagement. Findings suggest that silent disco parties have the potential to enhance social well-being in LTC by providing an inclusive, accessible, and adaptable social activity that fosters participation and enjoyment. These events may also contribute to reducing feelings of isolation by promoting movement, shared experiences, and emotional expression through music. Future research should further investigate the long-term benefits of silent disco parties on residents’ social health, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life.

FAQs

What is the main intervention studied in Canadian long-term care homes?

Silent disco headphone parties, where residents dance and listen through wireless, multichannel headphones while sharing an immersive music experience.

How was the study conducted and what data were collected?

The study involved 180 participants across three Canadian LTC homes and used video ethnography with video recordings, conversational interviews, direct observations, and focus groups.

What outcomes or themes did participants report?

Participants highlighted bridging generations, fostering social interaction, and promoting a sense of community, describing more spontaneous interactions, stronger connections with caregivers, and intergenerational engagement.

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Dipper