Music and Social Prescribing – Holistic Health and Wellness

In an era of constrained resources and an over-taxed health care system, we can and must find better and more cost-effective ways to enhance health and wellness across the population by addressing the social determinants of health: the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age.

Health is affected by numerous social factors that arise long before the need for physicians and hospitals becomes acute: loneliness, nutrition, emotional and home support, education, one’s physical environment, availability of cultural and social engagement, to name a few. Addressing these needs in a way that can save health care dollars, relieve stresses on the medical system and produce better health outcomes is the essence of the movement called Social Prescribing. Social prescribing holistically unites clinical and social care by referring patients to local, non-clinical services that are chosen according to the client’s interests, goals, and gifts.

Our panelists draw upon a wealth of real-world experience to discuss the powerful role that learning music and access to musical culture can play as a social prescribing aid to the wellness of our children.