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The authors use the metaphor of music for helping couples identify and describe formulative events in their relationship. A seven-step process for creating a couple's musical chronology is suggested. Couples link their relational history to specific music, a process that encourages them to deepen their connection and rekindle feelings that once brought them together Other relationship metaphors are identified. Applications of musical metaphors as a creative problem-solving process conclude the article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides a brief review of the literature describing successful aging life tasks, such as reminiscence, meaning-making, and forming substantive connections. Using Relational-Cultural Theory as a base, the article addresses the need for connection and ways that connections can be developed and sustained in later life. Through a personal account, the authors also illustrate how grown children can use music to connect with their parents. Finally, the authors adapt A Musical Chronology and the Emerging Life Song, an intervention that uses music and memories, for use with older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]