An insider’s view is presented of six senior centers serving culturally and socioeconomically diverse populations of senior citizens, in cities of different sizes and across different regions of the United States. Via vivid description and a first-person storytelling style, the authors describe each center’s physical layout, ambience or “vibe,” daily operations, clientele, support networks, and challenges. The following emergent commonalities across all six senior centers are discussed in detail: (1) accessibility, (2) active and welcoming, (3) extension of services, (4) resources, (5) variety and choice, and (6) wellness.

This chapter sets the stage for the book by providing an overview of the social, psychological, and physical benefits of music participation that enhance the overall well-being of older adults. The authors discuss various venues where musical activities for older adults might take place and then zoom in to portray senior centers across the United States, followed by an elucidation of the need for a series of studies on the musical engagement of older adults, a culturally undervalued population. A rationale is shared for examining how senior centers are adopting dramatic changes in their music activities through a global pandemic, leading into a new normal. Voices demanding changes in these centers segue into an introduction to the subsequent chapters of the book.

In the final chapter of Part II, the authors take a broad view of the sights, sounds, and stories shared in Chapters 3–5, point out findings that support earlier research, and introduce and discuss new findings that emerged from this research journey. Conclusions are organized in three large sections that mirror the foci of the previous three chapters: the six senior centers, music within the centers, and perspectives on older adult center clients’ music participation. The chapter closes with new thoughts and ideas relative to the role of music in senior centers and in older adults’ lives.

Drawing from a wide range of literature, most notably from aging studies and gerontology, this chapter begins with the historical background, nature, and functions of senior centers in the United States, followed by a focus on the characteristics of center clients and their level of involvement. Based on the literature, this chapter includes the benefits of using the centers and the challenges drawn from both the perspectives of center management and clients, followed by a discussion of various types of musical activities offered in senior centers, including instrumental, choral/singing, and music learning and creative activities. Activities offered solely for older adults and those that are intergenerational are highlighted. A range of musical activities that are aimed at older adults’ wellness is recognized. Given the scope of the existing literature, gaps and questions are raised, leading to the studies presented in the following chapters.