AU Music Faculty Presents “Don’t Call Us Old, We Just Grew Up First” — Music, Culture and the Power of Intergenerational Connection

The Faculty of Music, Assumption University, in collaboration with the King Prajadhipok’s Institute and the Medical Council of Thailand, organized a special event entitled “Don’t Call Us Old, We Just Grew Up First” (อย่าเรียกว่าแก่ แค่โตมาก่อน) under the project “The Art of Sound, The Power of Encouragement” (ศาสตร์แห่งเสียง กำลังใจแห่งใจ). The event was part of a research and social development initiative entitled “Thai Culture-Based Innovative Music Therapy for Aging Society,” which explores the use of contemporary Thai music and cultural expression as innovative approaches to promoting the well-being of older adults.

As part of the project, the Faculty of Music collaboratively created four original songs representing four regions of Thailand and four distinctive musical approaches, presenting stories, memories, experiences, and warmth from the perspectives of older people. Combining joyful rhythms, emotional melodies, and contemporary musical elements, the songs aim to promote positive emotions and happiness among older adults while fostering greater understanding, empathy, and meaningful relationships between generations.

The “Don’t Call Us Old, We Just Grew Up First” concert was held on Saturday, August 17, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. at the Health & Wellness Activity Area, 3rd Floor, Paradise Park Shopping Center. The event featured leading Thai artists, including Tee from Jetset’er, Tik from Playground, Fen from Pause, and Pote from MEAN, together with special guest artists. In addition, the program featured a special session entitled “CULTUROVATION: From Culture to Caring Heart,” bringing together artists, experts, and academics working in the field of aging society to explore how arts and culture can inspire care, well-being, and quality of life.

The four original songs are also available through AMBER Music Label on YouTube and major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, Joox, and Tidal, allowing the project’s message to reach a wider audience beyond the event itself.

More than a concert for entertainment, the initiative demonstrates the potential of music, cultural creativity, and research to promote emotional well-being, strengthen intergenerational understanding, and create a more caring and inclusive society for older adults. Through collaboration among academia, healthcare professionals, cultural organizations, artists, and other stakeholders, Assumption University continues to contribute to innovative approaches that connect knowledge, creativity, and social impact.

SDGs Alignment

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Uses music and culturally based creative approaches to promote emotional well-being, happiness, mental health, and quality of life among older adults.
• SDG 4: Quality Education – Connects research, creative learning, cultural knowledge, and interdisciplinary collaboration to generate and share knowledge on music, aging, and social well-being.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Promotes positive perceptions of older adults, challenges age-related stereotypes, and encourages greater inclusion and understanding across generations.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Supports inclusive and age-friendly communities by using music and cultural activities to strengthen social connection and participation among older people.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Demonstrates cross-sector collaboration among Assumption University, the King Prajadhipok’s Institute, the Medical Council of Thailand, artists, academics, experts, and other stakeholders to address challenges associated with an aging society.