Exploring motivation for older adults in South Korea to engage in musical instrument learning after retirement

This study explored the motivations for older adults in South Korea to learn musical instruments after retirement. As the global population ages, interest in the dynamics of aging and the potential benefits of musical engagement in later life is growing. Although previous research has investigated the benefits of playing musical instruments, what motivates older adults to engage in musical instrument learning is understudied. This study uses interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to analyze interviews with 10 retired participants actively learning musical instruments at local community centers, deriving two group experiential themes: (1) coping with life changes and (2) developing musical aspirations. The findings reveal that participants’ motivations intersected with a life transition due to retiring from full-time work and entering older adulthood. They expected that learning and playing musical instruments at all levels would benefit them socially and emotionally while allowing them to pursue lifelong goals and interests related to musical skills development. This study provides a deeper understanding of the factors influencing music learning in later life, highlighting its potential to improve quality of life and support personal development.