뉴시니어의 미니하프 연주 활동 경험에 관한 연구

초록

The purpose of this study was to explore how the experience of playing the mini-harp influences New Seniors' perceptions of life and the formation of meaning. To this end, Giorgi's (1975) phenomenological research method was applied. The study was conducted with eight New Seniors who had participated in mini-harp playing for more than six months through five rounds of face-to-face and written interviews. The mini-harp is lightweight and has a relatively low learning barrier, making it easily accessible to older adults. The findings revealed that playing the mini-harp enabled participants to realize a long-held artistic aspiration. Its low entry barrier and simple playing method provided an immediate sense of accomplishment from the early stages of learning. Although participants became increasingly aware of the physical and cognitive limitations associated with aging, they gradually overcame these difficulties through repeated practice, finding meaning in the process of continuing to play rather than striving for technical perfection. This sense of accomplishment restored the confidence that had diminished after retirement and led to more positive self-perceptions. Furthermore, because the mini-harp is still relatively unfamiliar to the general public, its rarity naturally attracted the interest and curiosity of others, leading to the formation of new social relationships. In addition, the mini-harp became a companion that accompanied participants in their post-retirement lives and a source of renewed vitality. This process itself represented an experience through which meaning in life gradually took shape for New Seniors. This study demonstrates that playing the mini-harp can serve as a driving force for New Seniors' active participation in the arts.

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