New research investigates if sounds of nature improve wellbeing of care home residents

  19th September 2023

Innovative research by University of Gloucestershire exploring whether the sounds of nature can have a positive impact on the mental health and wellbeing of people in care homes, has won funding of more than £336,000.

Building on previous studies, a multi-disciplinary team of researchers in social science, sound art and Cultural Studies will develop and test an intervention using immersive audio technologies in partnership with older people and care homes residents.

University experts and research partners Lillian Faithful Care and the Forest Avon Trust will collaborate with older people to record nature-based soundtracks, such as of waterfalls, birdsong, and sea waves, that will be aired via immersive sound technologies in care homes.

This will enable care home residents to access external sonic environments through state-of-the-art 3D sound experiences, enabling researchers to analyse pre- and post-listening data and carry out a detailed assessment of the significance and benefits of ‘green’ acoustics to mental health and wellbeing. You can read more about this story on the University website.