It is probably fair to say that the vast majority of people like listening to music, however could this actually be enhancing their wellbeing?

A researcher in Galway is attempting to assess just that. According to Jenny Groarke, a PhD student at the School of Psychology in NUI Galway, music ‘has long been known to give rise to positive feelings, memories and emotions'.

"People of all ages listen to music to cope with the stresses of everyday life, they listen to music to connect with others in social situations, and those who are isolated say they often listen to music to reduce feelings of loneliness," she explained.

Ms Groarke is looking for people aged 18-30 and 60-85 to take part in focus groups. Participants will be placed in small groups, where they will discuss music and wellbeing. Each focus group will take two to three hours.

"We hope to understand how we can use listening to music to improve well-being, which will certainly benefit younger and older adults in the future," she said.

The focus groups are ongoing and the results so far indicate some differences in the music listening habits of younger and older people. For example, younger people are more likely to listen to music in an attempt to attract possible love interests, while older people often listen to music to remind them of family and friends who have passed away.

Ms Groarke said one surprising finding so far is that ‘music seems to increase in importance in older age'.

"This is something we didn't expect. One music-lover, aged 70, went as far as to say that ‘jazz has given me a new life, a second chance'," she explained.

If you would like to volunteer for this research, email jenny.groarke@gmail.com or tel 086 0333 033.