Background: The prevalence rates of depression and anxiety are constantly increasing, and the aging population is growing in China. Music-based intervention is a nonpharmacological treatment that is used to treat depression and anxiety and that has very few side effects. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of Chinese 5-element music-based intervention (CFEMBI) based on the midnight-noon ebb-flow theory on depression and anxiety among older adults.

Methods: A total of 86 patients were divided into the control and experimental groups. The control group underwent a traditional CFEMBI, and the experimental group underwent a CFEMBI based on the midnight-noon ebb-flow theory. Outcomes were assessed at the 4th week, 8th week, and 12th week during the intervention.

Results: After the 12th week, there was a significant difference in scores on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) between the control and experimental groups (Z = -6.375, P value < 0.001). Additionally, there was a significant difference in the cure rate of depression between the 2 groups at week 12 (P < .001). After the 8th week, there was a significant difference in Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) scores between the 2 groups (t = 7.422, P value < 0.001). Furthermore, there was a significant difference in scores on the Quality of Life, Enjoyment, and Satisfaction Questionnaire-Short Form (Q-LES-Q-SF) between the 2 groups (Z = 4.991, P value < 0.001; Z = 3.023, P value < 0.01; Z = 3.023, P value < 0.01).

Conclusions: CFEMBI based on the midnight-noon ebb-flow theory is effective at alleviating depression and anxiety in older adults and improving life satisfaction.