The Lithuanian Association of Music Therapy has launched a new project in Vilnius with the support of the city council, bringing group music therapy to older adults. The one-year programme, led by music therapists Zita Abramavičiūtė and Loreta Kačiušytė-Skramtai, is part of the city’s health prevention strategy and aims to strengthen psychological resilience among senior citizens.
Ten groups, each with 10–12 participants, are taking part in seven weekly music therapy sessions designed to relieve tension, support relaxation, and explore adaptability in everyday life. Activities include breathing exercises to music, music listening, guided imagery, body percussion, and group singing. Later sessions will include improvisation, encouraging participants to experience and reflect on the unpredictability and creative problem-solving inherent in the process of creating music on the spot.
The initiative works closely with organisations that already serve older adults, such as the umbrella network Senior Hive (Senjorų avilys), the Vilnius Public Health Bureau through its “Social Recipe” programme, and local community centres.
Although still in the early stages, participants are already reporting positive effects. One woman, who usually struggles with group settings, shared that she was surprised to find she could remain in the group for the whole session and decided to return for further sessions. Others highlight the importance of acceptance and non-judgment — something deeply valued by those who lived through the constant criticism of Soviet times.
Music has quickly become a shared language in the groups. Participants love singing Mūsų dienos kaip šventė (“Our Days Are Like a Celebration”) by Vytautas Kernagis — a song all about enjoying life in the present moment because time passes so quickly. Lithuanians often sing this song at their national song festivals, so it is deeply rooted in their history and collective memory.
While uplifting songs are most popular, the group also embraces more solemn repertoire when members wish to share personal or family histories of loss, such as the deportation of relatives to Siberia.
As Zita reflects, the groups offer not only therapeutic benefits but also the chance to build community:
“They say, ‘It’s hard for me to be alone, but I come here not to be alone — to share and make connections.’ For resilience, community support is essential.”
For participants, the sessions provide a rare space to pause, breathe, and connect — “a perfect opportunity to come and simply be.” For the therapists, the process is equally rewarding. “It is a very nice process for me personally,” says Zita, “and I feel very motivated to be with these people.”
Written by Katie Roth, based on an interview with Zita Abramavičiute on 28th August, 2025.
